Rabbi Shapiro's Shabbat Message - December 10, 2021

Oh, the holidays. There’s something special about family gathered together for a turkey, an overflowing plate of latkes, or a roast that epitomizes this time of year. But, as we’re all aware, extended time with family has the potential to push the buttons inside of us like nothing else can. Simply put—family isn’t always easy. Nor was it for our ancestors.
 
Consider Joseph in this week’s Torah portion. After having been ridiculed by his brothers, thrown in a pit, left for dead, and sold into slavery, he’s now Pharoah’s number two man. Unbeknownst to him, his brothers come in search of food. After playing games with them for a moment, how does he respond? He reveals himself to them. He forgives them. He hugs them and he kisses them. He makes peace. Family matters more to him than a grudge.
 
This is the time of year when we gather. We sit with our families and our baggage. We all have our mishigas. And despite it all, we can take a lesson from Joseph. We can end this year and begin the next by putting it all behind us. We can choose to begin the new year with a fresh start and have a beautiful, meaningful, and blessed holiday celebration.
 
Shabbat Shalom,
 
Beau