Parshat Vayigash

Dear STOCS Friend:

Parshat Vayigash teaches us the Jew is never alone. On Jacob’s journey down to Egypt, Hashem appears to him and says:

אָנֹכִי אֵרֵד עִמְּךָ מִצְרַיְמָה

I will go down to Egypt with you.

Rav Soloveichik points out that not only are the Jewish people in exile but the Shechina, The Divine Presence of Hashem, is as well. Today, we do not have a Holy Temple, Hashem is homeless as well. This teaching of the Rav is a message of comfort for us during these difficult days. Hashem is not guiding the Jew from afar; He is close to each and every one of Klal Yisroel.

The omnipresence of Hashem offers comfort, guidance, and a sense of connection with Jews all around the globe. With Hashem’s help, our present situation will transform from mourning to joy and happiness.

Please God let the words of the Prophet Zachariah come true:

כֹּה אָמַר יְקֹוָק צְבָאוֹת הִנְנִי מוֹשִׁיעַ אֶת עַמִּי מֵאֶרֶץ מִזְרָח וּמֵאֶרֶץ מְבוֹא הַשָּׁמֶשׁ:

וְהֵבֵאתִי אֹתָם וְשָׁכְנוּ בְּתוֹךְ יְרוּשָׁלִָם וְהָיוּ לִי לְעָם וַאֲנִי אֶהְיֶה לָהֶם לֵאלֹהִים בֶּאֱמֶת וּבִצְדָקָה:

“Thus says the Lord: I will rescue My people from lands of the east and from the lands of west, and I will bring them home to dwell in Jerusalem. They shall be My people, and I will be their God, [on the condition of] in truth and righteousness.”

Friday is the Fast of the Tenth of Tevet. This is the only Fast Day that can fall on Friday, erev Shabbas. I look forward to seeing you in shul for services Friday morning and afternoon.

Have a meaningful and fulfilling fast day. Please God, I will see you in Shul on Shabbas.

Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi