Following their initial trip to Egypt seeking help due to famine, the brothers return with their youngest brother, Benjamin. Joseph, known in Egypt as Zaphenath-Paneah, remained hidden to his brothers as he tested them , determining whether they had changed from the days when they sold him into slavery.

Except for the rare few who enjoy the 'silver spoon' throughout a lifetime, most of us have experienced bouts of struggle and even despair. Some people ultimately succumb to despair while others resist despair even when it is most severe and debilitating,

Occasionally, movies and TV programs convey values and concepts which are central to Jewish tradition.

Loneliness. Isolation. Separation.

All of us can recall moments of abandonment in our lives, whether brief or long term.

The survival of the Jewish people is due to many factors throughout history, past and present.

There is a Hebrew expression (paraphrase):
THE WHEEL TURNS CONTINUOUSLY.

In part, it refers to Judaism as being a tradition incorporating both life and death.

We have just concluded a contentious election.
What happens next?

No one can predict the future, but one thing is clear…

Leaving home has many variations.

In the portion of Lech Lecha, I share thoughts about Abraham and Sarah leaving home for new experiences.

At one time or another, each of us has 'justified' some behavior or decision even when the circumstances were questionable. After all, we are human, doing our best to navigate through a challenging world.

Simhat Torah, for me, has always been an occasion to celebrate Jewish life demonstrably:

Through dancing, singing and-for a Synagogue-exceptional frivolity.

In building our Sukkah, we need to be sure that the shade from our schach (Sukkah roof covering) is greater than the sunlight we let in.

The Sukkah serves as a temporary home, and therefore shade is essential.

It is challenging to speak about next Shabbat with Rosh Hashanah looming ahead.

Nevertheless, I believe next Sabbath's Torah portion of Ha'azinu makes an important connection between Rosh Hashanah and the days which follow.

We often speak about THE JEWISH PEOPLE as if we are one, united, entity.

Sadly, such is not the case. We remain fragmented and often spiritually broken.

One of the Jewish themes for which I am a crusader (almost ad nauseum!) is the theme of COMMUNITY.

As contemporary society extols the virtues of the individual, the value of community is often lost, dismissed, or compromised.

Our popular Rabbinic work, Pirke Avot (Teachings of our Sages) offers a glimpse into a central theme of Jewish, communal living:

One who says What is mine is yours
and what is yours is yours is a pious person...

It is inappropriate (as well as non-professional) for Rabbis to endorse any candidate from the pulpit.

Nevertheless, Judaism, in an emphatic way, addresses the election process.

Except for anyone living in a secluded cave, we are all aware of the Presidential choices for the upcoming election. As in previous campaigns, many eligible voters will stay home.

Rabbi Klayman is on vacation. Please join us next week for his commentary on the parsha of the week.

Rabbi Klayman is on vacation but prepared a commentary on the portion. Click on the link on this page.

Rabbi Klayman is on vacation but prepared a commentary on the portion. Click on the link on this page.