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Drash for Shabbat Vayechi By Elaine Savage - January 5, 2007 I am here today to speak to you not as a Torah scholar, since I am not, but as a very proud grandmother whose grandson John Ross Hicks is going to become a Bar Mitzvah next Saturday. My Drash portion is Vayechi, the last portion in Genesis. Every Parsha speaks to each of us in different ways and as the Rabbi says "you find 2 Jews and have 3 opinions". I say, "thank God". The portion I chose is Joseph’s answer to his brothers when they came to ask for his forgiveness. "Though you intended me harm, God intended it for good, in order to accomplish, what is now the case, to keep alive a numerous people". Just as Joseph had many unexpected harmful deeds inflicted upon him caused by the people he loved and trusted, people today can also find themselves in very unbearable circumstances not of their own doing. They wonder at that time why such difficulties are inflicted upon them. Most often they get angry, frustrated and upset, only to learn later, as did Joseph that God had and still has a plan for them. God is guiding and teaching all of us life’s lessons constantly. Therefore, we must work hard to understand that which we are meant to learn and endeavor to remedy our situation in a positive manner. As Joseph learned from his journey and forgave his brothers, our lives also will be richer for enduring hardships, forgiving those who have wronged us and following the path God has chosen for us. Then we will be able to open our hearts and move forward on our allotted path with a positive spirit. I would like to leave that drash message to John Ross and to give him my blessing as he leaves this chapter of his childhood behind to begin his journey into manhood next Saturday. As a son and grandson of the tribe of Levi, who is being nurtured with the love and the care of your parents, may you follow the path of your forefathers by doing acts of goodness for others as a productive member of our society. John Ross, as you are about to begin your journey into manhood, remember to try to make wise choices as well as to learn from your mistakes. May you have a happy healthy life filled with love and may you be a leader among men. Shabbat Shalom.
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