Torah study | Vayeshev December 21st, 2024
December 21 @ 9:30 am - 12:30 pm PST
Shabbat Services and & Torah Study: Vayeshev
Saturday, December 21st
Emeryville, CA & Online
9:30am Shabbat service // 10:30am Torah study
A peek into Torah study with us and the parsha this week
We continue this week with the saga of Jacob and his children. This week’s parsha, Vayeshev, packs a punch. There are many twists and turns. We begin with Jacob settled in Canaan. Joseph is Jacob’s favorite son. He gives Joseph a multi-colored coat or tunic and loves Joseph most of all. Joseph has some dreams that he chooses to share with his brothers. These dreams, in which Joseph seems to have power over his brothers, buttress their hurt and jealousy. They are so angry, they cannot speak a kind word to him. When the opportunity presents itself, they decide to sell Joseph into slavery. Judah sleeps with Tamar, a woman he believes to be a harlot, but who, in fact, turns out to be his daughter-in-law. Joseph ends up in the Pharaoh’s palace with a lot of power. Pharaoh’s wife gets jealous and Joseph ends up in prison and has some more dreams.
There’s a lot to explore in this story! What does it mean to “settle” in a place? Do we get complacent when we settle somewhere? What might we learn from this act of “settling?” Jealousy is once again a big theme in this week’s parsha. How does jealousy undermine relationships and how can we navigate these feelings in more life-serving ways? Dreams can be powerful portals into our unconscious and possibly foreshadow the future. What dreams have you had in your life and how have your dreams impacted your life? And finally, we will discuss women’s power. How can women use their power in a patriarchal system that often discounts and disempowers women in ways that empower them and challenge patriarchal structures?
You can join us either in person or on Zoom for Shabbat services and/or Torah study. If you are in the Bay Area, we’d love to have you join us in person. After Torah study, we enjoy a vegetarian potluck meal together and have an opportunity to deepen our connection with one another. If you are able, please bring a vegetarian dish to share with others. For those joining us online, we invite you to also bring food to eat after the service. We will keep the room open so folks can connect with each other after the service.
Accessibility & Covid Practices for this gathering:
The house has 5 stairs to enter. We will be sitting in a living and dining room, either on couches or the floor (cushions provided). Please feel free to bring a seat or cushion that is comfortable for you. The windows will be open and an air filter will be on. If you are able to wear a mask, we request that you do so. If you are sick, please join us on Zoom.