Greetings friends
Chanukah is past; the winter solstice is behind us, and we have done our change of season ritual and held our annual memorial service. We had well over 150 names to honor and light candles for. And now we have the second half of the twin festivals of light – Christmas. This is one of the furthest apart the twins ever are, and they both stand for the same thing – what the message of the change of season for winter means – the search for and the return of light. Light is the metaphor for our ability to see. With light, there’s no need for fear.
We have been reading about Joseph’s rise to power in Egypt and the brothers’ journey down to buy food. We have seen Joseph’s brothers consumed by fear and guilt – perhaps they are being punished for what they did to their dead brother 22 years prior. In fact, he has been in Egypt longer than he was alive with them.
This is the power of fear and guilt – we destroy ourselves with guilt, while fear is the great thief of time. It paralyzes us. Do not let fear paralyze you.
This week is the great reveal when Joseph tells his brothers who he is – and he does so in their language in two simple words – “ani Yosef” – “I am Joseph”. You can practically imagine the feelings that would run through them at those words – sure of their impending death – but instead – he weeps at being reunited; he tells them not to be angry with themselves; they did not send him to Egypt – he was sent by G0d to save them.
This is growth; this is the power of the forgiveness mechanism. Learn to use it. It will change your life.
This is one of the great readings of the Torah and marks the ending of the book of Genesis. Next week is just a wrap-up with the deaths of Jacob and Joseph.
We have more historical knowledge of who he might have been, and that is a fascinating history. Joseph is the only person ever referred to in the bible as “father to pharaoh” and we have found someone in Egyptian history – also only once – referred to as “father to pharaoh”. Are they the same? It is well worth reading.
Use this time to continue to forgive those you need to forgive and give thanks and celebrate your freedom and joy; do not succumb to fear – light an extra candle and drive it away, and please feel free to share this audio and video with any you think might enjoy it, and of course enjoy all of our past audio and video episodes which are available on our YouTube channel. This episode will be posted on our channel - click here to watch the Rabbi David Gellman Show in the 2024 cycle.
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Thank you all for allowing me into your homes, into your electronic devices, into your hearts – as you are all with me in mine –
Be well, be happy, be healthy, be free, be kind, be forgiving, be compassionate, be independent of mind and deed, be mindful of your intentions and be good to yourself. Continue to celebrate freedom of choice in your life. Do not give in to fear, and enjoy the peace that comes from acceptance – as always - if you have any questions or suggestions or want to say “hi,” please send me an email. I love hearing from you.
And remember, anytime you do not want to receive these anymore, please send me an email so I can remove you. And know - that I truly appreciate your sharing your sacred time with me.
Enjoy and celebrate your life and the lives of others, and in doing so, be safe, my friends. Be happy and may you all sow the seeds of, and reap the rewards of, peace and love and miracles, and make sure you also celebrate your unique individuality and your incredible awesomeness. Because you are.
And remember – your world is what you make it. Just wish upon a star and continue to be an angel and a miracle in someone’s life, always light the light of love, and be a shining beacon of forgiveness as an example to all.
Have a wonderful Christmas, and share your joy.
Blessings
RD
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