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Torah Portion: PARSHAS VAYESHEV

		PARSHAS VAYESHEV By: Rabbi Osher Jungreis

THE PERILS OF FESTERING HATRED Be sure to light your menorah before kindling the Sabbath lights SHABBOS CHANUKAH The Historical Background of Chanukah:** Antiochus of Syria ruled over the land of Israel during the period following the death of Alexander the Great, He set out to Hellenize the Jews by forbidding Torah observances and forcing upon them the idolatrous practices of pagan Greece. Antiochus was backed by a force of thousands of soldiers. The Jews staunchly resisted the Syrians. They united under the banner of the faithful Priestly Jewish family, the Chashmonayim, and succeeded against overwhelming odds. The Temple that had been defiled by pagan Greek rites was purified and rededicated. The Menorah, the candelabra, which symbolizes the light of Torah was rekindled with undefiled olive oil that had been discovered in the Temple. Miraculously, the one day supply burned for eight days, until new pure oil could be produced. We celebrate Chanukah by kindling the Menorah for eight days, adding a new light each night, teaching us that however satisfactory we feel our religious observance is, we must do better. This concept of Ma’alim B’Kodesh - to grow spiritually and to continuously add more mitzvos- more Torah and holiness to our lives, is the essence of our faith symbolized by the manner in which we light our Menorahs. On Friday afternoon, the Chanukah lights are kindled before the Sabbath candles. From the time that the Sabbath candles are lit until the Sabbath ends and the Havdalah prayer is recited, the Chanukah Menorah should not be relit, moved or prepared. On Saturday night, the Menorah may be lit only after the Sabbath ends. Before kindling the Menorah recite the following three blessings: 1. Boruch Atoh Ad_noi Elo_einu Me-lech Ha-Olom, Asher Ki-des-sho-nu B-mitz-vo-sov, Veitzivonu L’hadlik Ner, Shel Chanukah. 2. Boruch Atoh Ad_noi Elo_einu Me-lech Ha-Olom She-oso Ni-sim La avo-sei-nu, Bayamim Ha’heim, Bi-zman Ha-zeh. 3. Boruch Atoh Ado_noi Elo_einu Me-lech Ha-Olom, She-heche-yon-nu V’kimonu, V’higeyanu L-zman Hazeh. (This blessing is recited only on the first night) PARSHAS VAYESHEV - THE PERILS OF FESTERING HATRED In this week’s portion, we learn about the conflict between Yosef and his brothers which is reflected in the passage “And they (his brothers) could not speak to him peaceably” (Genesis, 37:4). Through this verse we can understand the terrible consequences of jealousy and animosity, which, if allowed to fester, can lead to such intense hatred that even simple communication becomes impossible. To prevent such deterioration in relationships, the Torah commands us, “You shall not hate your brother in your heart” (Leviticus, 19:17), calling upon us to articulate our resentment, resolve our differences and not allow animosity and hatred to overtake us. Let’s apply this teaching to our own lives and remove all rancor from our hearts by communicating in an amicable and civilized manner. We must do this, not only for the sake of others, but more - for our own sake, because if jealousy and hatred are permitted to fester, they can literally consume us, rendering us bitter, angry people. Shabbat Shalom and Simchas Chanukah Rabbi Osher Parshas Vayeshev 24 Kislev 5764 Candle Lighting Time, Fri. December 19 2003 4:13 PM Sabbath ends, Saturday, December 20 5:17 PM __________________________________________________________________ JOIN US FOR THE HINENI CHANUKAH PARTY Tuesday evening, December 23 Reservations a must! Call 212-496-1660