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Drash for Shabbat Vayigash By Lori Riegel - December 29, 2006 As we approach the end of the book of Berisheet, we can find an important theme relating to the importance of Jewish education. This week's parshah, Vayigash, has strong relevance to me today, not only because it was my Bat Mitzvah portion, but also because we can learn about the importance of tradition, study, and appreciating our teachers. When we left off with Parshat Miketz, Jacob still did not know that his beloved son Joseph was actually alive and thriving in Egypt. According to Midrashic legend, Jacob's sons feared that the shock would be too much for the aging Jacob, so they sent his granddaughter, Serach bat Asher, to play her harp and sing about Joseph. Serach, Asher's adopted daughter, is the only granddaughter of Jacob mentioned by name in the Torah. Serach's gentle words penetrated, and filled Jacob with extreme joy. According to Rabbi Barbara Rosman Penzner, in The Women's Torah Commentary, "For this gentle and courageous act, she is blessed with a long life." She received her grandfather's blessing of eternal life. Serach appears again to advise the Israelites of Moses' identity as the redeemer of Israel, as prophesied by Jacob. She later led Moses to Joseph's coffin as they prepared to leave Egypt. The legend of Serach teaches us the importance of handing down our stories and traditions to our children. Torah study that is appropriate for adults may not be engaging or even understandable to children. It is our job, as parents, teachers and guardians of our traditions to make the study of Torah exciting and relevant to the children of our Jewish community. We can learn from Serach's use of song and poetry. We must instill a passion for Judaism and our traditions in our children… even if it takes doing a little song and dance. I have been quite blessed to have studied with many amazing teachers. As a Bat Mitzvah student, 21 years ago, I had the great privilege to study with Reverend Aaron Polinsky. He gave me a thorough understanding of the mechanics of Torah trope, which I still use regularly to train B'nai Mitzvah students. Serach's gift of song and music transcends time, as teachers continue to pass down what they have learned from memorable teachers to the next generation. Shabbat Shalom.
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