Tag Archives: Judaism

February 21, 2024 · 5:52 pm

Tetzaveh – Temple Visions

Titzaveh

Temple Floor Plan by Laya Crust

The first forty chapters of the parashah Teztaveh (“You will command”) are dedicated to the High Priest’s clothing. The text describes combining fibres, fabrics, embedded gemstones, bells and tiny pomegranates.

The haftarah is from the Book of Ezekiel. Ezekiel was among the 8,000 Jews exiled to Babylon in 597 BCE. He writes that he is carried by God to the land of Israel. He is set on top of a very high mountain where he sees something like the structure of a city. A man, seemingly made of brass, gives Ezekiel a thorough tour of the future Temple. There are detailed descriptions of each element to be measured and positioned.

We read measurements and the positioning of each holy object in the future Temple. The illustration above is based on a rendering of Solomon’s Temple from an early 12th C. German manuscript illumination. It shows the Temple’s floor plan. All the sacred objects in the floor plan seem to lie on the floor. I used the manuscript drawing because it is so unusual and delightful. It is a charming way for the viewer to see the Temple artifacts. The manuscript is currently in Vienna, Austria in the National Library.

The haftarah begins with the words, “Thou, son of man, describe the house…”

The Jews were miserable. It was the 25th year of their exile in Babylon. God gave Ezekiel an incredible amount of information about the next Temple to share with the Jews. Hearing about the future Temple in Jerusalem, the Jews were optimistic that they would indeed return to their homes. A provision accompanied the details and plans. The Temple would only be restored if the Jews were repentant and corrected their behaviours and observances.

We will fast-forward almost 2,550 years. Under Jordanian rule, Jews were forbidden to pray at the Western Wall from 1948 until 1967. When Israeli forces liberated Jerusalem in 1967, Jews were once again free to go to the Kotel, the only remaining wall of the Second Temple. We don’t have a Third Temple, but we have a unified Jerusalem, and we can pray at the Kotel.

The Temple Mount is the holiest place of Judaism. The Kotel is the only remaining wall of the Temple’s encompassing structure. This remnant of the Temple is proof of our history, our commitment to God and Judaism, and our right to Jerusalem and Israel. This remnant of the Temple is a place where all Jews can speak to God in their own way.

Today we are fighting for our survival. Every Jew in Israel is fighting for all Jews around the world. Jews outside of Israel are defending Israel, defending democracy, and defending our religion. it is a difficult time, but we will retain our courage, our compassion, and our right to our land.

עם ישראל חי, and BRING OUR HOSTAGES HOME.

May you have a Shabbat Shalom-one of peace, understanding and warmth.

Laya

My illustrations and commentaries of all 82 haftarot can be ordered from www.haftarah-illuminations.ca as a book, a print, or a p[oster.

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December 21, 2023 · 5:40 am

VaYigash – UNITY

Joseph0002Joseph’s Journey   by Laya Crust

The parashah VaYigash continues the saga of Joseph and his brothers. Joseph was sold into Egyptian slavery and rose through Egyptian society to become second in command to the Pharaoh. Now, after many years, the family is reunited. Although Joseph’s story had begun many years earlier with fraternal jealousy, the brothers allow themselves to reunite and rebuild their family. In the earlier Bible stories, the siblings did not reconcile. Cain killed his brother Abel. Isaac grew up without his brother Ishmael. Jacob and Esau never truly reconciled. In this story, we see Joseph and Judah rebuild the family, which would eventually become the nation of Israel, the Jewish people.

VaYigashReunited   by Laya Crust

The haftarah also speaks of unity. The prophet Ezekiel appeals to the Children of Israel to reunite. Ezekiel (c.622 BCE – 570 BCE) was among the 8,000 Jews exiled to Babylonia after the destruction of The First Temple. In this reading, he theatrically foretells the reunification of the nation of Israel. Ezekiel takes two branches as instructed by God. One represents the nation of Judah, and the other represents the nation of Ephraim, Joseph’s lineage.  The prophet writes, “For Judah and for the children of Israel his companions” on one branch, and “For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and of all the house of Israel his companions” on the other. Ezekiel then holds the two branches together, forming a single entity. He says that the Jews can reunite and become a unified nation, and that God will gather them from exile and return them to the land of Israel. The text reads, “I will make them one nation in the land, upon the mountains of Israel.” (v. 22) Jerusalem Nahal_Sorek_Panorama

Judean Hills

Both readings are about unity. This is a timely theme. Israelis and Jews around the world have been deeply divided about many things. They were particularly divided about the direction of the Israeli government. Our Jewish world was crumbling. The horrors of October 7 unified us as a people. Our love for our nation and our country has reignited a Jewish spirit so deep that we are fighting on every front and helping our beleaguered brothers and sisters. And we are winning. Hatred destroys countries and civilizations. We have to work together to ensure our survival. Just as Joseph and his brothers forged a better future together, we will do the same. Joseph saved Egypt and its neighbours from starvation by sharing wisdom and strategy. We have the potential to do the same. We are stronger as a united people. With prayers for our hostages, for our soldiers, and for peace and security, Shabbat Shalom,    Laya ILLUMINATIONS, An Exploration of Haftarah through Art and History is a book of all the haftarah pictures you have seen in my blog. It boasts 82 full-colour pictures and a rich commentary that accompanies each painting. For more information or to order a book go to https://www.haftarah-illuminations.com/ or to haftarah-illuminations.com

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November 23, 2023 · 10:14 pm

VaYeitze – And he went out

VaYeitzei SigLadder of Angels   by Laya Crust

VaYetzei is the story of Yaakov’s (Jacob’s)  journey from his parents’ home to his uncle’s tribe in Padan-aram. Rivka sent him to her brother Lavan to find a wife and avoid Esau’s anger.

 On the first night, Yaakov lay down to sleep and dreamt of a ladder reaching up to heaven. Angels ascended and descended the ladder, and God stood above it. God told Yaakov, “I will give you and your descendants the land on which you lie. And your seed will be like the dust of the earth. You will spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south…And I am with you and will keep you in all the places you go and will bring you back to this land: for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised…” (Bereshit/ Genesis 28: 13 – 15)

Yaakov continued his journey to Padan-aram and was tricked into marrying two sisters, his cousins Rachel and Leah. The story continues with his life trajectory over a 20-year period. We read about the birth of eleven sons and one daughter and working for his father-in-law Lavan. Under Yaakov’s management, Lavan’s flocks and wealth increased. Lavan and his sons became suspicious and jealous of his son-in-law. Reading the signals and listening to God’s words, Yaakov realized it was time to go home- to Israel. He returned to the land of his birth.

When he left Lavan’s territory “…angels of God encountered him. When he saw them Jacob said, ‘This is God’s camp’ and named the place Mahanaim.” (Bereshit/ Genesis 32: 2,3)

This parsha is a template for the history of the Jews.

First, there was a struggle causing Jacob to leave to leave his place of birth- just as has happened so many times in our history. God told him that his descendants would spread abroad to the west, the east, the north and the south. And it is so. Jews live in virtually every country and corner of the world.

When Yaakov went to Lavan he was invited to stay and work. Lavan encouraged his son-in-law to stay when he recognized Yaakov’s business acumen. Yaakov’s wealth increased Lavan became suspicious and angry so Yaakov fled with his family. How many times has that happened throughout history? Jews were welcomed to Egypt, Spain, France,  Holland, Germany, England, Poland, Lithuania, and more, where they practised medicine, were traders, and improved the mercantile system. When the population either became jealous of their success or ran into financial difficulty, Jews became scapegoats and were victimized. And the Jews have had to escape unprovoked persecution time and time again.

Yaakov and his wives had thirteen children- each of them unique. Today, we are a people of many unique traditions and interpretations.

It is significant that angels begin and end the narrative. As Yaakov leaves his homeland, he is greeted by angels and God. When God warns him to leave Lavan, the angels meet Yaakov again.

This is a horrifying time. These tragedies can only be attributed to שׂינאת חנם, baseless hatred.  Even in these terrible times, lives in Israel are miraculously protected every day. In these times of terror and upside-down morality, we are accompanied by angels. Many of the angels are our fellow Jews and the people who believe in Israel and Humanity. They bring comfort and healing and help in many different ways. Through donations, cooking, prayer, personal bravery, words and hugs of comfort. Yaakov’s descendants, the Children of Israel, are accompanied by angels of God, but we must keep our hearts and ears open to hear them.

Have a Shabbat Shalom. with love and prayers for peace, Laya

Here are two videos. One from the UN about the silence of women’s rights activists:

And another – Kuloolam singing “Like a Prayer” for our Hostages.

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November 10, 2023 · 4:55 am

Abraham and Sarah, Living on Our Land

Abraham sent to Canaan

The Book of Abraham   by Laya Crust    (Hand-painted accordion fold book)

The Torah readings over the last few weeks have featured Abraham and Sarah, the patriarch and matriarch of the Jewish nation. Their story began when God chose Abraham to go to the land of Canaan and start a new nation. The painting above states, “He went with Sarai, his wife, and his nephew Lot to Kana’an.” The parashah begins with Sarah’s death and concludes with Abraham’s death.

Sarah, our matriarch, dies in Qiryat Arba at the age of 127. Abraham comes to mourn and weep for her and to find a fitting burial place for his beloved wife.  He pays for the cave of Machpela even though it has been offered to him as a gift. The text is detailed. “And the field of Efron, which was in Machpela, which was before Mamre, the field, and the cave which was in it,  and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all the borders round about, were made over to Avraham for a possession in the presence of the children of Chet,…before Mamre: the same is Hevron in the land of Canaan.” ( Ch. 23 v 17 -19)

abraham - akeida and hebronThe Book of Abraham  by Laya Crust (Hand-painted accordion fold book)

Avraham pays full price for this small piece of property, also known as Hebron, in front of witnesses so there would never be a question of ownership.

The Cave of Machpelah - Vincent van Gogh

              The Cave of Machpela by Vincent Van Gogh
At the end of this week’s reading Abraham dies and his two sons, Isaac and Ishmael, come together as brothers to bury their father. They mourn together and bury their father in the cave of Machpela, beside Sarah. The two brothers meet in peace and act cooperatively. They bury their father on the land belonging to Abraham.
The biblical Qiryat Arba still exists. It is an Israeli town with about 7,500 residents outside of Hebron. Hebron, mentioned in these Torah readings exists. The Cave of Machpelah exists. The land of Canaan exists. Today Canaan is known as Israel.
Israel is historic Canaan with a modern name. We Jews have lived there longer than any other people.  Jews have owned and lived in the land- Canaan, Palestine, the Turkish Empire, Israel- call it what you will – ever since Abraham bought and owned that parcel 5,000 years ago… Jews owned Israel before 1967, before 1948, before the Balfour Declaration, and before the Zionist movement under Herzl. We owned the land all the way back to the time of Abraham.
We are strong, we are united, and we are right to protect ourselves and our land. I pray our hostages come back soon and that there is no more loss of life, that we will see peace and cooperation in Israel very soon.”
chayi sara map with hebron machpelah-genesisShabbat Shalom,   Laya
partial map of Israel in Abraham’s time

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November 2, 2023 · 3:23 am

VaYeira- The Sacrifice

As I write this entry, my thoughts are filled with the war Israel is fighting against HAMAS terrorists in Gaza, and terrorists in Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon. The atrocities HAMAS perpetrated on innocent civilians are unbelievable. I worry for the Israeli soldiers. I worry for the 240 innocent hostages. This tragic reality has made me reform my thoughts about today’s Torah reading.

Bird’s Head Haggadah,  1290, Southern Germany

“Akeidat Yitzchak” is a distressing story. It is read daily in our morning prayers. It is a cornerstone of our literature and has figured in Jewish art throughout the centuries.  

 God promises Avraham they will be the parents of a great nation. A nation so numerous that the population would exceed the number of stars in the sky. Avraham and Sarah wait decades to have a child. First, they have a child with a “surrogate” mother- Hagar. Then, years later, they have another son. Sarah is 90 years old when she gives birth to Yitzhak, or Isaac. As time passes, Sarah disapproves of Ishmael as a role model for Isaac and has Avraham send him and his mother away. 

Later, God tells Avraham to take Isaac to Mount Moriah and sacrifice him there. Avraham doesn’t argue. To protect Sarah, Avraham doesn’t tell her what he and Isaac are about to do. He and Isaac walk up the mountain together. Can we begin to imagine what Avraham is thinking? He is with his son. The son he has raised. The son whom he loves. Avraham protects Isaac as long as he can, carrying the dangerous materials, the knife and the fire, while Isaac carries the kindling.  As they go up together Isaac asks, “Avi, (my father, or Daddy,) where is the sacrifice?” Avraham answers that God will provide. And it’s all true. God provides a sacrifice. And Isaac survives.

File:The sacrifice of Isaac.jpg  

Beit Alpha Synagogue Mosaic 5th C. CE

Can we relate to a father sacrificing his child? I think of the parents who have children serving in the Israel Defence Forces today. Parents give birth to sweet, innocent babies. As they grow up, Israeli babies and exceptional Jewish babies from outside of Israel become soldiers. Parents with conflict in their hearts send them to protect our nation of Israel, praying that it will be OK. That their children will be safe. That the nation will be fine. The children go, knowing this is their role as Israelis and Jews. How can we send our children into that kind of danger? We can’t. We don’t want to. But we do.

I transfer these thoughts to Avraham. Avraham and Sarah were chosen to begin a new nation. They were selected because they believed in one God, in justice, in honour, and in the sanctity of life. The nation they created would become “a light unto the nations.” When Avraham made a covenant with God he was ready to sacrifice what he held most dear to ensure the survival of the promised nation.

Image result for sacrifice of Isaac Rembrandt, 1636

Isaac trusted that his father and God were right. If Isaac was to be part of the covenant, he had to participate in the way he was called upon to participate. He had to be ready to sacrifice himself. And Sarah? Sarah had to stay home, to worry, pray, and wait, as parents of soldiers do today. 

Image result for rembrandt Abraham and IsaacAbraham and Isaac, Rembrandt, 1645

We raise our children for joy and peace. But at a breaking point, we have to send them to fight. October 7, 2023 was a breaking point. This war is a fight for our survival. We each do what we can. Some of us, with pain in our hearts, see our children go to war. Some write letters of protest, attend rallies, pray, send money, send food, send clothing, provide shelter, or art, or babysitting, or music, or a hug and a shoulder to cry on. It’s all important. We win when we are united.

Listen to this beautiful song by Lea Shabat called “Avraham.”

https://www.google.com/search?q=lea+shabat+sings+%22Avraham%22&rlz

May we see peace. May our hostages be returned healthy in mind and body. May we experience no more war.

Shabbat Shalom, Laya

lea shabat

Lyrics:

Avraham, what courage, How you walked until the end.

In the morning you woke up, How did you feel going up?

How many tears I have shed over you? And shed on myself through you?

Avraham, How you were one, And after One, you followed

Outside of everyone, You heard only Him

Avraham,  And Yitzchak knew nothing,  And he walked with his father

What is more than a father, Each one walked with his father

How many tears have I shed over you? And shed on myself through you?

Avraham

Continue reading →

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September 27, 2023 · 11:46 pm

The Etrog- NeHedar! (Splendid!)

Sukkot day 2
“Shielding the Ark”  by  Laya Crust

This weekend we celebrate Sukkot, a beautiful holiday when we eat in a sukkah (a small structure with tree boughs in place of a roof) and make blessings over the lulav and etrog. It says in the Torah, “And you will take on the first day fruit of splendid trees, (עץ פרי הדר), branches of date palm trees, boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook…” The Rabbis put the elements together to create the lulav and etrog as we know it. A palm branch is gathered into a bundle with myrtle and willow branches. The etrog (citron) is the עץ פרי הדר- “the splendid fruit.”

p1150696

“Etrogim” by Laya Crust

How was the etrog chosen to be used as the splendid and magnificent fruit? It is not native to Israel and it’s inedible. Where did it originate and how did it arrive in Israel?

The etrog was native to Persia- archeologists have found evidence of it dating back over 4,000 years. There are references to the etrog in Indian literature dating to 800 BCE. It was taken to Greece by traders. It seems it made its way to Israel after the campaigns of Alexander the Great. It is widely agreed that the etrog didn’t reach Israel until the period of the Second Temple. It was so unusual, beautiful, and aromatic it was chosen to be the beautiful fruit to accompany the lulav.

Image result for bar kokhba coins

Bar Kochba coins

We see the etrog depicted in ancient Israeli craft. The lulav and etrog are stamped onto this Bar Kochba coin and figured in ancient mosaics. I used the Bar Kochba coin in the haftarah painting at the top of this blog.

Image result for etrog mosaic

Mosaic from Tiberias Synagogue

The etrog is beautiful and smells heavenly, but the fruit is bitter and needs a lot of help to become edible. The fruit is never eaten on its own since it’s so bitter. It seems it is used mostly for medicinal purposes- in teas and mixed with oils to use as ointments in Persian and Indian and Persian cooking. Sometimes it’s made with sugar and combined with oranges and lemons for etrog jam or marmalade. The zest is used in rice and as a colourful accent, and some people candy it and then dip it in chocolate.

Etrog Marmalade- Breaking Matzah     Etrog Marmalade from breakingmatzah.com

I hope you enjoyed this little peek into the history of the beautiful, perfumed etrog. Enjoy your Sukkot, and maybe try something new with your etrog- but use an organically grown one!

Chag Sameach, Laya

, ILLUMINATIONS, An Exploration of Haftarah through Art and History is a collection of all the haftarah pictures you have seen on my blog. The book boasts 82 full-colour pictures. A rich commentary accompanies each painting. To order a book or a haftarah print go to https://www.haftarah-illuminations.ca/

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July 20, 2023 · 9:49 pm

Devarim, 5783

Devarimart by Laya Crust

Devarim/ Deuteronomy     Haftarah- Isaiah I: 1- 27

The parsha Devarim and its haftarah always precede the fast of Tisha B’Av  (the 9th of Av) when we read the Book of Lamentations or איכה .  Michael Mirsky- Torah reader and “leining” teacher extraordinaire-  explained why Devarim is always read before Tisha B’Av.  In the parsha Moses asks,”איכה אשא לבדי טרחכם ומשאכם וריבכם.” “How can I bear unaided the trouble of you, and the burden, and the bickering!” (Devarim 1: 12). As you can see, Moses’ plea  begins with the word איכה – Eicha.

This desolate haftarah is the last of the “Three Haftarot of Rebuke”. Isaiah recounts how God laments that His children – B’nei Yisrael – have rebelled against Him. They are corrupt, their prayers are empty and their sacrifices are meaningless.

Isaiah tells the nation their sins can become white as snow, and the land can become fruitful and full again.  God asks Israel to “Learn to do well; Seek justice, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” (Isaiah 1: 17) There is a parallel phrase in the parsha. Moses reminds B’nei Yisrael, “You shall not be partial in judgment: hear the small and the great alike.” (Devarim 1:18) These quotations remind the Israelites to act fairly and care for those who are in need, no matter what station they hold in life.

In searching for an image for this haftarah I wanted something that expressed God’s desire that His children act well and justly.  The care of Jewish refugees in the nascent Israel of 1949 came to mind.

As we know, Jewish immigration to Israel, their ancestral homeland, was severely restricted by the White Paper of 1939. Jewish survivors of the Shoah (Holocaust) had to enter mandate Palestine illegally and if they were caught were sent to D.P.camps. When Israel was declared a state in 1948, thousands of Jewish immigrants and refugees arrived. They needed food, clothing, and shelter.          

“ Ma’abarot” (or makeshift camps and cities) were set up to temporarily house survivors and refugees. In the early 1950’s they accommodated 130,000 expelled Iraqi Jews. By the end of 1951 there were over 220,000 people in about 125 different areas.

The ma’abarot had problems and were not “perfect” solutions, but they were an attempt to take care of the widows, the orphans, and the needy when Israel was first established.

 The illustration at the top of this post was inspired by a photograph of a ma’abarah in 1952.

B’nei Yisrael was promised the land of Israel, and we have the good fortune to be able to live there today. The direction to judge all people with the same fairness and righteousness, and to take care of all of those in need still stands today. We should be proud of what Israel and Jews internationally have achieved in terms of social justice and care of the sick and needy- but let’s remember to improve the world by being better ourselves.

Have a meaningful fast on the Tisha B’Av fast day. (This year the fast will be on Thursday, the 27th of August.) And let’s keep on making the world a better place!

Best, Laya

P.S. I will be giving a lecture about Tisha B’Av, the Book of Lamentations, and art that illustrates the readings. Join me on ZOOM this Sunday, July 23, 202. The lecture is free, and interesting!

https://www.bac.org.il/en/events/?eventID=18731

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_A5LicpntRACR2lxB71ztmQ#/registration

 

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June 23, 2023 · 3:12 pm

Korach and a Change in Leadership


KorachKorach   art by Laya Crust

I Samuel 11:14- 12:22

Samuel (prophet and judge) 1070 – 970 B.C.E

This Torah reading tells how Korach, a Levi, led a group of people and confronted Moses. They wanted to know why Moses and Aaron were so special, and they wanted a change in leadership. The accompanying haftarah is also about a call for change in leadership.

Samuel was a prophet and judge, and as things turned out he was to be the last of the judges of Israel. The Israelites asked for a King so that they would be like the neighbouring nations. Samuel reluctantly anointed Saul as the first King of Israel in this haftarah. He reminded the people of all God had done for them, and how he had been an honest and caring prophet and leader. He told the children of Israel that they would be punished if they did not listen to God and obey His commandments.

The image I painted shows Samuel advising Saul.  My painting is based on a woodcut in a book from Southern Germany, 1450 called “Meshal ha-Kadmoni” (The Ancient Proverb) written by  Isaac ben Solomon ibn Abi Sahulah.  He was born in 1244 and lived in Guadalajara, in Castile. Isaac ben Solomon was worried about the influence of secular writings on his fellow Jews.  He noted that Jews were reading and being influenced by non-Jewish books. For example, The Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor and Kalila and Dimna- fables from India- were translated into Hebrew and read extensively by Jews in the Middle Ages. Below are two illustrations from an edition of Kalila and Dimna dated 1210 CE.

               

To counter the effects of these non-Jewish texts, Isaac wrote his own book of stories, poems, fables, and parables. The book was illustrated with miniatures and woodcuts. The “Meshal ha-Kadmoni” was so popular it was reprinted six times in Hebrew and nine times in Yiddish! It was a popular book, but it didn’t stop Jews from reading and loving secular literature.

Samuel was concerned that the people would turn away from God and subconsciously conclude that because they had anointed a King as the leader of their country, they could ignore God’s commandments. Samuel wanted to remind the people that their fate would always be in God’s power. It was the wheat harvest season. After speaking, Samuel called to God, asking for thunder and rain. When the thunderstorm came, the show of force frightened the Israelites. They realized, “…we have added to all our sins to request a King for ourselves…” (Ch 12 v.19).  Although they admitted their error, the statement did not prevent the Israelites from sinning against God as they continued their lives.

People are always looking for a change in power. When the leader is a good leader, the forces of extremism or selfishness want to change the status quo. When someone with poor vision or evil intentions is at the helm, those with good leadership abilities must try to change the direction of politics. It is an important element to have the wisdom to recognize good leadership and bad leadership and to further the goodness.  Let’s all hope for good directions in this crazy world of crazy leadership that seems crazier.

Have a good Shabbat,

Laya

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March 3, 2023 · 4:37 am

Shabbat Zachor

Shabbat Zachor sig

It’s Purim next week, the holiday on which we read the Scroll of Esther. The story of Esther takes place around 480 BCE in Persia. Queen Esther and her Uncle Mordecai foil Haman’s plans to exterminate the Jews of Persia. The Shabbat before Purim is called Shabbat Zachor- the Shabbat of Remembrance. On this special Shabbat we read a section from the Torah about the evil King Amalek.  Amalek instructed his army to attack the  Children of Israel, specifically the defenseless and the weak, as they walked through the desert after leaving Egypt. Amalek is identified as the ancestor of Haman, the villain in the Purim story.

The haftarah recounts a poignant story about King Saul . The prophet Samuel tells King Saul that he is to remember what Amalek did to B’nei Yisrael  (the children of Israel). Saul is to destroy ALL the Amalekites, the young and the old, their animals, and all their possessions. King Saul gathers his warriors, and they go to war.

Saul and his warriors flatten the towns, and kill the inhabitants and their cattle- but he spares Agag the Amalekite king. King Saul’s soldiers spare the choicest sheep, intending to offer some as sacrifices o God. to offer as sacrifices to God. When God sees what has happened, He instructs Samuel to depose King Saul.

The text is powerfully written. Saul, a man with a good heart, does not carry out God’s instructions. Samuel reminds him, “Though you are little in your own sight were you not made head of the tribes of Israel? And the Lord anointed you King?…” Samuel turns his back on the broken king. As Samuel walks away Saul falls to the ground and grabs Samuel’s cloak. The cloak rips in his hand, and Samuel tells Saul, “The Lord has ripped the kingdom of Israel from you this day and given it to a neighbour of yours that is better than you…”

It is a heartbreaking story of a fallen King. The most tragic element is that Saul had never wanted to be king. He wanted to live a simple life but monarchy was thrust upon him. He wasn’t a natural leader. He was a follower. In the battle against the Amalekites Saul he followed the desires of his warriors rather than the commandment of God.

In this week’s maftir (the last paragraph of the Torah reading) we read the commandment to blot out Amalek’s name. We read this just before Purim because tradition tells us that Haman was Amelek’s descendant. As we read we are reminded that in every generation there rises an enemy whom we must fight. We are reminded to have faith in God and listen to God’s teachings.

Read the story. It’s another exciting and emotional incident in our canon. And it’s OUR story. Shabbat Shalom.and have a great Purim.

Laya

ILLUMINATIONS, An Exploration of Haftarah through Art and History is a book of all the haftarah pictures you have seen in my blog. It was published in October and released on November 24, 2022. It boasts 82 full-colour pictures and a rich commentary that accompanies each painting. For more information or to order a book go to https://www.haftarah-illuminations.com/ or to haftarah-illuminations.com

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December 30, 2022 · 4:54 am

VaYigash 5783

VaYigash This week’s haftarah for the parashah is from the Book of Ezekiel. The prophet Ezekiel (c.622 BCE – 570 BCE) was among the 8,000 Jews exiled to Babylonia after the destruction of The First Temple. He both criticized the behaviour of the Jewish people and encouraged them during a time of despair with his spectacular visions. He was also a  great advocate of individual responsibility. This haftarah’s message is “unity.” God told Ezekiel to take two branches. One represented the nation of Judah, and the other represented the nation of Ephraim, Joseph’s lineage.  The prophet was to polish the branches, carve on them and display them. Ezekiel wrote the following phrases onto the branches: “For Judah and for the children of Israel his companions” on one, and “For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and of all the house of Israel his companions” on the other. Ezekiel then held the two branches up in front of a gathering of the exiled Jews. He showed that the two groups could be reunited and grow together as one unified nation. He also told them that God would gather them from among all the nations and return them to their own land, the land of Israel. The text reads, “I will make them one nation in the land, upon the mountains of Israel.” (v. 22) beit horon passage

Photo of the Judean Hills by Yoni Lightstone tour guide

The parashah VaYigash continues the saga of Joseph and his brothers. We have read how Joseph was sold into Egyptian slavery and his father believed he was dead. Joseph rose through Egyptian society to become second in command to the Pharaoh. Now, after many years, the family is reunited. Joseph’s story had begun many years earlier with fraternal jealousy, butthe brothers reunited and rebuilt their family. In earlier Bible stories the siblings did not reconcile. Cain killed his brother Abel. Isaac grew up without his brother Ishmael.  Jacob and Esau never truly reconciled. In this story we see Joseph and Judah build the unified family which would become a nation. Both readings are about unity. In every era and in every generation there are disagreements between different sectors of Jews. The competition for leadership, and the separation of the nations began as early as the story of Cain and Abel. We allow ourselves to be divided by traditions, dress, levels of observance, and politics. We live in frightening times which are difficult to navigate. We witness and experience the Covid-19 epidemic, international terrorism, increased anti-Semitism, tyrannical dictatorships waging war on their citizens and neighbours, slavery, and bizarre weather-related disasters. WHat is most frightening is the divisiveness in the Jewish community. People have become extreme in their views, accusing those on the “other side” of being nasty, dangerous, and untrustworthy. Respectful speech has been discarded. Hatred destroys countries and civilizations. We have to work together to ensure our survival. Just as Joseph and his brothers could forge a better future together, we can do the same. Joseph saved Egypt and its neighbours from starvation through sharing wisdom and strategy. We have the potential to do the same. We are stronger as a united people. With prayers for peace and understanding, Shabbat Shalom,    Laya The painting “Reunited”, showing Ezekiel writing on a branch,  is one of the images in my book, “ILLUMINATIONS.”: I’m excited to introduce you to the newest member of my family. ILLUMINATIONS, An Exploration of Haftarah through Art and History is a book of all the haftarah pictures you have seen in my blog. It was published in October and released on November 24, 2022. It boasts 82 full-colour pictures and a rich commentary that accompanies each painting. For more information or to order a book go to https://www.haftarah-illuminations.com/ or to haftarah-illuminations.com

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