The weekly reading for the week of 9 Tevet, 5767 - December 30, 2006 Parashah: Vayigash Genesis 44:18 to 47:27; Haftarah: Ezekiel 37:15-28; Mei Kituvim: Psalm 133:1-3; Brit Chadashah: Ephesians 2:1-10



Parashah Lite Edition (Focuses on one verse or idea anywhere in the readings.)

The Bagel: Jewish survival.

"....for God sent me before you to preserve life" (Genesis 45:5).

In every generation there are Josephs. These individuals are raised up of G-d to preserve the Jewish people. In Esther's day it was her and Mordechai. In Yad Vashem in Israel there are memorials to the numerous "righteous Gentiles" who risked their lives to save Jews from the Nazis. What each of these have in common is some form of philo-Semitism. Philo-Semitism is the opposite of anti-Semitism and forms another technical term that is positive. It is something that should be done. Anti-Semitism is something that should not be done and is thus a negative oriented term. Both terms have to be operative in the correct form for effective Jewish survival. One should be philo-Semitic, that is, thinking, believing, and doing good to the Jewish people, while at the same time one should be opposed to or fight anti-Semitism.

The greatest form of a Joseph character is found in Yeshua. He gave His life for the express purpose of ensuring Jewish survival. His atonement forms the basis of personal redemption for anyone who believes, Jew or Gentile. His atonement also forms the basis for the preservation of the nation of Israel as a nation, even though most have not received Him. This is a great mystery. It behooves those Gentile and Jewish believers to pray for the peace of Jerusalem so that what was accomplished at the cross may be effectual in our time.

The Joseph character is so powerful that Jewish tradition identifies two messiahs: Messiach ben Yosef and Messiach ben David. One is a meek messiah and the other is a powerful king. Isaiah's descriptions of the "Suffering Servant" are reminiscent of the idea of the Joseph messiah. Joseph was a deliverer in a Gentile setting. Yeshua is both ideas in one Messiah. He is the King and yet He is also the Deliverer during what Scripture calls "the times of the Gentiles" - the time of Jewish dispersion among the Gentiles. May believers be the people of refuge to bring justice that aids Jewish survival.

Cream Cheese: Individuals are saved by grace and Israel is kept in place - all because of Yeshua.

• Torah:
  Genesis 44:18 to 47:27.
  
• Haftarah:
  Ezekiel 37:15-28.
  
• Mei Kituvim:
  Psalm 133:1-3.
  
• Brit Chadashah:
  Ephesians 2:1-10.