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The New Shul

Parshat Miketz/Hanukah

Parshat Miketz, which is always read during Hanukah, begins with the story of Pharoah’s dream. He dreamed of seven fat cows being swallowed up by seven thin cows, which foretold seven years of prosperity that would be swallowed up by seven years of famine.

The author of Hanah David (David Camped) interpreted Pharoah’s dream in a very different way, as a pointer to the story of Hanukah. For him, the seven fat cows swallowed by the seven thin cows foretold that the mighty army of Antiochus would be destroyed by the tiny Maccabean army.

To put such a positive spin on such a dark and threatening dream — to transform a message of impending famine into one of miraculous redemption — requires a radical shift in perspective. It means choosing to see light in the darkness, to see blessing in a world of brokenness.

During Hanukah, the darkest time of year, our mitzvah is to bring more light into the world. Sometimes we accomplish that by what we do. But sometimes we accomplish that by how we see, by choosing to perceive light that was previously hidden, but was always there. This Hanukah, may our deeds, and our vision, make God’s miracles known.

  • Shabbat services at The New Shul are on Friday evenings from 6 to 7 pm, and on Saturday mornings from 9 am to 12 noon. This Shabbat, December 16, the kiddush-lunch will be sponsored by Cindy Mann in memory of her mother Arlene Goldstein
  • Childcare is available from 10 am to noon on Shabbat mornings. Our learning service for children is from 11 to 11:45 am.
  • The New Shul’s annual Hanukah Coffee House is this Saturday night December 16 at 7:30 pm. Join us for great latkes and great entertainment by our own local talent. The cost is $5 per adult at the door (no charge for kids).
  • Minyanim during the week are on Sunday mornings at 9:30 am, Monday evenings at 7 pm, Wednesday mornings at 7 am, and Wednesday evenings at 7 pm.
  • On New Year’s Day, Monday January 1, and on Martin Luther King Day, Monday January 15, The New Shul community will serve meals to the hungry at St. Vincent de Paul’s Jackson Street dining room. Please let us know if you can help.