^4111PINEPOIMINISOPPOONFO.

Community
5th GRADERS & PARENTS!

Be a part of the 14th Annual

TZEDAKAH
EXPERIENCE

SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2001
9:30-11:45 a.m.

Temple Beth El
7400 Telegraph Road at 14 Mile

Join in Helping Hands
activities to learn more about
our Jewish agencies

Decide how your
Penny Harvest pennies can
help our community

Cookie Gonik, Chair
Beth Margolin, Assocate Chair
Roz Blanck, Penny Harvest Chair

Sponsors:

Temple Beth El

Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit
Women's Campaign and Education Dept.

Agency for Jewish Education:
Department of School Services /Jewish Experiences for Families

The Jewish News Jewish Educators Council Bank One Michigan

For information, call: (248)203-1519

T his is

ecierorE ion

Visit us on the Web: www.thisisfederation.org

Torah Portion

Jacob: Achieved Balance In Life,
Spiritual Potential In Death

own name would be elevated as a result
of exemplary conduct of future genera-
tions. In an intergenerational continu-
um, the good deeds performed outlive
our mortal lifespan.
Although none of the Torah's 613
mitzvot are enumerated in our portion,
we do find the source of the seven-day
he book of Genesis concludes
mourning period, of shivat yamim
with the end of Jacob's life.
(50:11), prior to the giving of the Torah.
The parsha presents a kalei-
After Mt. Sinai, Moses established the
doscope of images perhaps
seven days of mourning as a unique,
best captti red in our time by famed
Jewish practice, rather than mere cus-
artist Marc Chagall in his Jerusalem
tom. Why seven?
Windows at Haclassah Hospital
The Marahal (an ancient
Synagogue.
sage)
teaches that the physical
It depicts a confluence of
world is represented by the
messages to his children, which
number six, the number of
begs interpretation. At last, our
segments in which it was cre-
patriarch Jacob achieves a mea-
ated. But creation was not
sure of tranquility unknown in
finished until there was a sev-
the earlier stages of his life. It
enth
day, symbolic of God's
seems he is surrounded by
own
essence.
countless hardships. He is
Explaining the mystical
plagued by threats of death,
HOWARD B.
Sefer Yetzirah, seven com-
vile tricks, blackmail and
SHERIZEN
prises the six directions
enemy aggression — even
Special to the
(north, east, south, west, up
from Esau, his estranged
and down) plus its own
Jewish News
brother who lies-in-wait to
individual focal point.
ambush him.
Existence
involves a constant chal-
Despite everything, he puts it all in
lenge
between
one's lofty lifetime goals
perspective, and focuses on his blessings.
and
limitations
of environment or
Rashi, quoting the Talmud (Taanit
physical health. The six directions rep-
5b) points out that the word "died" is
resent outside influences that are con-
not mentioned in verse 49:33, which
stantly at work on a person. One is
describes Jacob's passing. The sages, using
never free of them.
figurative language, comment that " ...
Seven, then, is the serene center,
our patriarch Jacob did not die." Yet,
representing
completion and closure.
Jacob himself admits that he is going to
If
seven
consecutive
days accomplish
die (48:21). Moreover, Joseph's brothers
completion,
then
the
truncated ver-
saw that their father had died, followed
sion of mourning reduced to lesser
by a magnificent Egyptian state funeral.
days misses the mark. Forfeiting the
Rabbeinu Bachya, in 14th-century
opportunity for tikkun (spiritual
Spain, points out that Jacob distin-
repair) is a tragic error, which often
guished himself from among the other
occurs for temporary convenience.
patriarchs. Jacob achieved the harmo-
The patriarchal epoch at the end of
nious union of virtues that each of his
Genesis
is not a closed book. Rather, it
ancestors possessed individually. While
sets in motion a nucleus of spiritual
Abraham focused on love (hesed), Isaac
DNA potent enough to forge our
was known for severity (gevurah/din).
identity with a spiritual strength to
Jacob, however, tempered love and
last for all time. ❑
justice, harmony and truth, which do
not fade or decay with the passage of
time. With these, Jacob is able to over-
come death.
The Talmud, in Brachot 18b, teaches
As we are blessed with multiplying
that the righteous continue to live on
material possessions, have we
after death because of the example they
chipped away at our family values?
bequeath and continue to provide to
How can we be passionate towards
their children. Jacob prays that his chil-
Jewish
ethics and observances — to
dren be worthy of carrying on his good
achieve
balance in our lives? Did you
name, together with that of his father
ever
find
yourself among others
and grandfather. Additionally, Jacob's
where you were judged consciously
as a Jew? When so challenged, how
Howard B. Sherizen of Oak Park is
did you respond in modeling Jewish
captain of Franklin Fitness' Diabetes
behavior?
Tour de Cure Team and a chartered
financial consultant.

Shabbat Vayehi:
Genesis47:28-50:26;
I Kings 2:1-12.

T

Conversations

GRODAN CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANTS

28 Years Experience

Residential/Commercial

OUR STAFF SPECIALIZES IN HOME MODIFICATIONS
NEEDED FOR THOSE WITH LIMITATIONS
DUE TO AGE, ILLNESS OR INJURY.

1/12
2001

58

• Is there at least one accessible entrance to your home?
• Can you get into/out of the tub or shower safely?
• Can you maneuver up/down your stairs?
• Are light switches and electrical outlets easy to reach?

EVELYN GRODAN

CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE PHONE CONSULTATION: 248-855-5887