My Weekly Drash (a mini D'var Torah) - Vayeshev (2)
Posted by Daniel M. Kimmel on December 18, 2008 | Tags: Vayeshev
It's always rich in irony to see someone who got government backed student loans or other subsidies insisting he is a "self-made man." While we're often quick to blame others for our problems, we claim our successes are due entirely to our own efforts. In Parshah Va-Yeishev, Joseph finds himself in prison interpreting the dreams of his fellow inmates. He lets the royal cupbearer know that he will be spared and asks only that a kind word be spoken to Pharaoh on his behalf. At the end of the portion we read, "Yet the chief cupbearer did not think of Joseph; he forgot him." (Gen. 40:23) Those who insist on reading ahead know that the cupbearer will speak up next week, but what's interesting is right here where the cupbearer's actions goes beyond ingratitude. He "did not think of Joseph." It's as if Joseph ceased to exist. Reading these words reminds us that there are people - family, friends, teachers, mentors - who have helped us along the way. Think of them and remember how much we owe them. There is no one who is truly a "self-made man."
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Daniel M. KimmelJoined: October 2, 2007 Daniel M. Kimmel is a Boston area film critic, lecturer and author. He does these weekly mini-lessons for the Mishkan Tefila Brotherhood's newsletter. You are free to use them for similar purposes. Divrei Torah (117) |
