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Greetings friends
Last week, we all said goodbye to Chanukah – a celebration that illuminates Jewish life, existence, struggle – a celebration that brightens and drives away darkness everywhere, the world over, where a menorah is lit.
It is a story that recalls the unlikely victory of the physically weak over the strong – but the physically weak were spiritually strong, and spiritual strength will always prevail, the strength each of you embodies.
The more than 2,000 years of lighting the menorah for Chanukah is a testament to the triumph of freedom over oppression, spirit over matter, and light over dark. And we seem to be constantly in that battle.
And as the twin festivals of light ended, another year ends, and a new one begins - the inexorable movement we try so hard to control instead of just enjoying. And so, another holiday is upon us - once known throughout history as circumcision day, being the day Jesus would have been welcomed into the tribe, it is now simply known as New Year’s Day.
Happy new year to all of you. May all your hopes, dreams, and wishes for the year come true.
As the 13th-century poem by Avraham Hazzan Girondi says -
Let the year end with all its curses.
Let the new year begin with all its blessings.
Let me add to those thoughts and suggest - May we hold lovingly in our thoughts those who suffer from tyranny, subjection, cruelty, and injustice, and let us work every day towards the alleviation of their suffering.
May we recognize our solidarity and understanding - as instructed in the Torah - helping the stranger, alien, outcast, downtrodden, abused, and deprived; that we work to ensure no human being be treated as "other" and that our common humanity weaves us together in one fabric of mutuality, one garment of destiny.
May we recognize our solidarity and understanding, and as instructed in the Torah - with the stranger, alien, outcast, downtrodden, abused, and deprived, / that no human being be treated as "other," / that our common humanity weaves us together / in one fabric of mutuality, / one garment of destiny.
And - may we pursue the Biblical vision of peace, that we might live harmoniously with each other and side by side, respecting differences, cherishing diversity; that there be no one exploiting the weak, and that we each live without fear of the other, each revering Divinity in every human soul.
That doesn’t seem too hard to want to see. And it only takes one. It only takes you; and no one else.
I want to thank those of you who sent an end-of-year tax-deductible donation in support of our work to help provide spiritual support and growth to all who need it, and you might still have a day or two to do so before the year ends and so for those of you so inclined, thank you.
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 lives.
This is one of the great readings of the Torah, and it 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 – well worth reading.
Use the lessons of this incredible story and 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.
May it be your will, o lord our god, that this new year Be a peaceful year for us and for all the world -
May it be your will, oh lord our god, that we be blessed with all we need in the new year
May it be your will, oh lord our god, that we be blessed with happiness -
May the new year be filled with an abundance of blessings; May the new year be filled with love and peace; May the new year be a good year for us all -
Please share this audio and video with anyone you think might enjoy it, and of course, enjoy all of our past audio and video episodes available on our YouTube channel. This episode will be posted on our channel - click here to watch the Rabbi David Gellman Show in the 2023 cycle.
And if you are one of the people this was sent to by a friend and want to receive it yourself, let me know, and I will add you to my mailing list.
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 and do not give in to the fear which is so prevalent, and enjoy the peace that comes from acceptance – and as always - if you have any questions or suggestions or just want to say “hi,” please send me an email. I love hearing from you.
And remember, any time 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. In doing so, be safe, my friends, be happy, and may you all sow the seeds of and reap the rewards of peace, love, and miracles. Make sure you also celebrate your unique individuality and your incredible awesomeness.
And remember – your world is what you make it. Just wish upon a star and continue to be a miracle in someone’s life and light the light of love.
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