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Vayigash (2025)

Shabbat Vayigash

Dvar Torah
Before the family of Jacob descends to Egypt to reunite with Joseph, Judah is sent ahead “lehorot lefanav.” - roughly translated to guide before the rest of the family. The classic commentator Rashi explains this in two ways: to prepare the practical details of settling in a new land, and to establish houses of learning.

We can suggest that these are not competing ideas but the two crucial and symbiotic elements of Jewish communities to this day. A community needs logistics and livelihood together with values and vision. Judah’s role teaches that the foundations of strong communities are built when we create environments of material and spiritual growth.Shabbat Shalom!This Dvar Torah is dedicated to the full and speedy recovery of my sister Leora Channah bat Shulamit Nechama


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