Parshat Miketz/Hanukah

Parshat Miketz, which is always read during Hanukah, begins with the story of Pharaoh’s dream. Pharaoh 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 Pharaoh’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 requires a radical shift in perspective. To transform a message of impending famine into one of miraculous redemption is to choose 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.

The New Shul’s Shabbat morning service is from 9 am to about 11:45 am. In accordance with the latest Covid guidance from the CDC, we require all those over the age of 2 to wear a mask while in our building. Our kiddush-lunch is outdoors, so masks are not required.
Childcare is available on Shabbat mornings from 10 am to noon.
The kiddush-lunch this Shabbat, December 4, is sponsored by Aubrey and Fay Palestrant.
Weekday minyanim at The New Shul are on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm, and on Sunday mornings at 9:30 am. Kabbalat Shabbat is on Friday evenings at 6 pm at our rabbis’ home (please contact us for directions).
Join us at The New Shul for our annual Coffee House on Saturday night December 25 at 7 pm.There will be lots of live music and other entertainment by our own local talent. The cost is $5 per adult at the door.