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Shabbat Shalom!.

Shabbat Shalom!.

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Shabbat Shalom!.

Vayigash

Genesis 44:18-47:27

Torah Reading for Week of December 20-26, 2009

Tevet 3-9 5770

“He sent Yehudah ahead of him…(46:28)

Joseph remains viceroy of all of Egypt, and in this week's

Torah portion, he finally reveals his true identity to his brothers.

As we follow Joseph’s story from the time he was a boy of

17 when he was thrown in the pit by his brothers, until now when he

is the second most powerful person in the Egyptian empire, we can’t

but help be impressed as to Joseph's level of leadership, his restraint

in not blaming his brothers and his genuine understanding of G-ds centrality in the workings of the world.

“it was not you who sent me here, but G-d; he has made me a father to Pharoaoh and ruler throughout the entire land of Egypt. “(45:8)

When he finally reveals his identity to them, Joseph helps his entire family relocate to Goshen where they live out the rest of their lives in prosperity and dignity growing into a thriving Jewish nation.

Why is it that when it was time for Jacob to send someone to establish a yeshiva, a house of study where they could study G-ds laws did he send Judah? Joseph was already in Egypt, he certainly had the authority and the means to establish the most magnificent yeshivah in the empire. Why then should Judah be the one to establish the house of learning that was to serve the Jewish people in Egypt?

From the beginning of this parsha, we see Judah's, heartfelt pleas and true spirit of self-sacrifice in his attempt to appeal to Joseph to spare Benjamin's life so that he may return to his father Jacob. The leadership qualities that he showed epitomizes that of the leader of the brothers. Judah heroically stands up to the man who is second to Pharaoh and puts his life openly on the line inorder to protect both father and brother. This act has a deep effect on Joseph. Seeing the compassion and determination in his brother’s eyes, is the final “straw” which enables Joseph to exclaim, “I am Joseph!” Judah’s leadership role though much more subtle, is convincing and comes forth to argue on behalf of his family as “one of the brothers” not someone who behaves as if he is above them.

It is also significant to note that later when Jacob gives out blessings to all of his sons he says of Judah,

"Judah, your brothers shall praise you. Your hand shall be on the nape of your enemies, the sons of your father shall bow low to you. A lion's whelp is Judah; from the prey, my son, have you gone up" (Gen. 49:8-9).

Jacob's blessing means that Judah's brothers will acknowledge his leadership. It is interesting that Judah was given the blessing of royalty as well. This honor of royalty is usually given to the first born, and in this

parsha we can see what the true qualities of a leader need to be. A spokesperson of his brothers, not the one who forgives them from a high position but one who can relate to them and speak to them on their level.

Judah, personifies the quality of never giving up, as well as epitomizing the ability to change, a struggle to overcome his inclination toward sin.

Maimonides, said that true Teshuvah occurs when you face the same situation you had encountered previously and make a different decision. He believed, and Jewish thought believes, that we can, over time, learn to act differently. In 'the words Onkelos:

"Judah, you were not ashamed to admit (your mistake), therefore, your brethren will identify themselves by your name," for example they will be called yihudim, Jews. He takes the verse "from the prey, you have gone up" as a reference to Judah's part in the sale of Joseph; he began so low but with his actions on behalf of Jacob and Benjamin he has risen to great heights. In fact it is through the merit of his ability to change that Judah’s descendants merit the blessing that "the scepter, the honor of leadership, shall not depart from Judah"! (Genesis 49:10).

Torah insights are not merely ideas to be repeated, but are meant as instructions for living.The message from our parsha is that although it is hard and may take some time, we know that it is possible to make changes in our life. Judah began with a vicious will and evil intent toward his younger brother, but now leads by action and example. It is a true leader who acts without thought of reward or recognition. Judah reminds us to look for the quiet leader in our midst, the one who serves to preserve the family and the continuation of the Jewish community. As Jews and as descendents of Judah we have capacity and the ability to transform our behavior, to be examples for others to follow, and to hold ourselves to the highest level of ethics and morals.

Shabbat Shalom,

Miriam

Have you ever hear that in order to become a good cook, you had to follow the recipe EXACTLY? There are always some simple changes you can make to recipes that will make them in keeping with an important mitzvah which we are commanded to do and that is keeping the laws of kashrut.

Keep in mind a few helpful tips. Some recipes, are easier and are made to be strictly dairy. So just let them be, but today when we have so many options for substitution we can change a few ingredients and it makes all the difference. The following examples are of recipes that instead of using sour cream or butter we substituted margarine and tofutti brand cream cheese so the dishes can be served with a meat meal.

Along with pistachios almonds enjoy a rare mention in the Old Testament as the only 2 nuts mentioned.

"So their father, Jacob, finally said to them, 'If it must be, then do this: put some of the best products of the land in your bags and take them down to the man as gifts--a little balm, a little honey, some spices and myrrh, some pistachio nuts and almonds.'" (Genesis 43:11)

Almond Pound Cake with almond Glaze

1 cup butter(margarine)

1 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese (tofutti cream cheese)

6 eggs

3 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

2 1/4 cup sugar

2 tsp. almond extract

Allow butter, cream cheese and eggs to stand at room

temp for about 40 minutes. Grease and lightly flour bread

pans or bundt pan. Combine flour,baking powder and salt.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a large mixing bowl beat butter and cream cheese with mixer on medium to high speed for about 40 seconds until softened. Gradually add sugar, beating on medium speed for about 5 minutes until light and fluffy. Add almond extract and eggs one at a time, beating on low for about 1-2 minutes after each additional egg. Gradually add flour mixture and beat on low speed until combined. Spoon into prepared pan. Bake about 75 minutes on until a wooden tooth pick comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes and remove from pan. When thoroughly cooled, top with glaze.

Almond Glaze

1 1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar

3oz. cream cheese,

1 teasp almond extract

1-2 tbs. non-dairy or milk(to get the right consistency)

Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms

½ cup margarine(1 stick)

4oz cream cheese (tofutti brand cream cheese)

1/3 cup white wine

½ tsp powder garlic

½ tsp crushed red peppers

2 big portabella mushrooms

1 tbsp olive oil

¼ onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, chopped

1 cup shredded chicken (optional)

you also can add chopped, drained spinach

¼ cup breadcrumbs

2 tbl. flour

salt and pepper

In a large saucepan melt together margarine, cream cheese and white wine. Add in 2 tbl. flour. Stir constantly until it thickens. Add powder garlic and crushed red peppers

Remove mushroom stems and chopped them.

Separately, saute onion and chopped garlic in olive oil until translucent. Add chicken(optional), chopped mushroom stems and let cook for about 5 minutes.

Add creamy sauce to the chicken and adjust seasoning.

Fill mushrooms caps and place them on a baking sheet.

Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and broil for 6-9 minutes or until golden brown.

Enjoy!

Pistachio Salad

Dressing:

1 clove minced garlic

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 Tbsp. Balsamic vinegar

3 T sugar

1/2 cup mayonnaise

Salad: