| ב"ה |  | Seymour J. Abrams Cheder Lubavitch Hebrew Day School | | | Candle Lighting Times for Skokie: | | | Message from the Dean | | | | The 19th of Kislev, the "Rosh Hashanah of Chassidus," commemorates the 1798 liberation of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the first Chabad rebbe, known as the Alter Rebbe, from imprisonment. This event marked not only a personal redemption but a renewal of Chassidic teachings, particularly the Tanya, which the Alter Rebbe authored. The Tanya provides a comprehensive roadmap for our spiritual lives. It teaches us how to uncover the divine spark within, navigate life's challenges, and connect to G-d through love, awe, and joy. Studying Chassidus uplifts our understanding of Torah's commandments and deepens our relationship with G-d, infusing everyday life with greater meaning and vitality. This week's Torah reading, Vayeshev, begins with Jacob settling in the land of his forefathers. Commentators explain that Jacob sought peace after a lifetime of struggle. Yet, his journey into spiritual growth continued. This is also the message of the 19th of Kislev: While we may seek comfort, our purpose lies in constant growth, transforming our challenges into opportunities for deeper connection to G-d. The Alter Rebbe taught that Chassidus reveals the soul's infinite potential. Just as Jacob found strength to persevere, we, too, can find resilience and clarity through Chassidus, especially the Tanya. Let us recommit to its study and integrate its teachings into our daily lives, ensuring that its light illuminates the world around us. May we all experience personal redemption and the ultimate redemption with Moshiach soon! Shabbat shalom, | | | | |  | Parshah in a Nutshell |
Parshat Vayeishev The name of the Parshah, "Vayeshev," means "And he dwelt" and it is found in Genesis 37:1. Jacob settles in Hebron with his twelve sons. His favorite is seventeen-year-old Joseph, whose brothers are jealous of the preferential treatment he receives from his father, such as a precious many-colored coat that Jacob makes for Joseph. Joseph relates to his brothers two of his dreams which foretell that he is destined to rule over them, increasing their envy and hatred towards him. Simeon and Levi plot to kill him, but Reuben suggests that they throw him into a pit instead, intending to come back later and save him. While Joseph is in the pit, Judah has him sold to a band of passing Ishmaelites. The brothers dip Joseph's special coat in the blood of a goat and show it to their father, leading him to believe that his most beloved son was devoured by a wild beast. Judah marries and has three children. The eldest, Er, dies young and childless, and his wife, Tamar, is given in levirate marriage to the second son, Onan. Onan sins by spilling his seed, and he too meets an early death. Judah is reluctant to have his third son marry her. Determined to have a child from Judah's family, Tamar disguises herself as a prostitute and seduces Judah himself. Judah hears that his daughter-in-law has become pregnant and orders her executed for harlotry, but when Tamar produces some personal effects he left with her as a pledge for payment, he publicly admits that he is the father. Tamar gives birth to twin sons, Peretz (an ancestor of King David) and Zerach. Joseph is taken to Egypt and sold to Potiphar, the minister in charge of Pharaoh's slaughterhouses. G‑d blesses everything he does, and soon he is made overseer of all his master's property. Potiphar's wife desires the handsome and charismatic lad; when Joseph rejects her advances, she tells her husband that the Hebrew slave tried to force himself on her, and has him thrown into prison. Joseph gains the trust and admiration of his jailers, who appoint him to a position of authority in the prison administration. In prison, Joseph meets Pharaoh's chief butler and chief baker, both incarcerated for offending their royal master. Both have disturbing dreams, which Joseph interprets; in three days, he tells them, the butler will be released and the baker hanged. Joseph asks the butler to intercede on his behalf with Pharaoh. Joseph's predictions are fulfilled, but the butler forgets all about Joseph and does nothing for him. Learn: Vayeshev in Depth
Browse: Vayeshev Parshah Columnists
Prep: Devar Torah Q&A for Vayeshev
Read: Haftarah in a Nutshell
Play: Vayeshev Parshah Quiz | | | | Today's Quote | | It's not the mouse who's the thief, but the mousehole — Talmud, Gittin 45a |
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