TORAH PORTION Cetanne DETROIT' INSTITUTE OF ARTS Mali Degas Gauguin Staying In Touch With Those We Love Magritte Matisse Modighani Monet Shabbat Rosh Chodesh, Chanukah Day 6, (Parshat Mikketz): Genesis 41:1-44:17; Numbers 28:9-15; 7:42-47; Zachariah 2:14-4:7; Isaiah 66:1, 23. Picay,o Renoir Rodin Van Gogh Ann Arbor Joseph had to wait until his broth- ers bowed down to him so that his ow that most people carry dreams would be fulfilled before he cell phones all of the time, identified himself. staying in contact with a The most interesting one to me: loved one is easy. Sometimes we make Perhaps Joseph was sure that Jacob light of it and even might joke about actually knew that he was alive since how family members expect us to call they had such a strong connection constantly. But the truth and since Jacob believed is that continuing to be in Joseph's dreams would come contact with those who true, and he would be in the care about us is a respon- presence of his son again. sibility for each and every Either because he was wait- one of us. In all but the ing for the right moment most extreme circumstanc- or because he felt in his es, no matter how strained heart that the contact wasn't the relationship, no mat- necessary, Joseph chose not ter how superfluous such to find a way to contact his contact may seem to be, we grieving father. Rabbi Robert need to let those who love I can forgive Joseph for Dobrusin us know where we are and a lot of things. But this one Special to the how we are. is tough. It doesn't seem Jewish News Think about this subject that any of the reasons that in relation to the Joseph might have motivated him narrative that we are currently read- to continue his masquerade and his ing in the Torah. We can explain away separation from his father were justi- much of the negative behavior of fied. No matter what he might have Joseph. We can make excuses for his thought, the long years of separation arrogance — after all, he was treated demanded more sensitivity and con- in a more superior way by his father. cern. We can do better than Joseph. We can understand his difficulties Think about it. Take advantage of the with his brothers since their relation- fact that things are much easier now ship was strained since childhood. than in ancient Egypt. Make the phone But there is one aspect of his behavior call; send the e-mail; write the letter. that we can not explain away so easily: Do it sooner, rather than later. ❑ Joseph's failure to contact his father during all of his years in Egypt. It is Robert Dobrusin is rabbi of Beth Israel unfathomable. Congregation in Ann Arbor. In the course of this week's parshah, Joseph is brought out of jail and put into a position of authority. Years pass. Conversations He meets his brothers and sends them Can you think of any other back to Canaan with food; but even reason why Joseph might not then, he doesn't take the opportunity have contacted his father during to make contact through them with his years in Egypt? The Torah his beloved father. doesn't say anything about Explanations are offered by both Jacob confronting Joseph about ancient and modern commentators. his lack of contact. If you were Perhaps Joseph had to wait until his Jacob, would you have said brothers actually confessed their sin something to your son, or would before he revealed himself because you have just celebrated see- he wanted them to do teshuvah, to ing him again and ignored this repent, of their own accord. Perhaps issue? N .__ .,..... Modem Masten from the Cleveland Museum of A October 12, 2 - January 1 8, 2009 Masterpiece after masterpiece after masterpiece. See them now. For tickets visit www.dia.org or the DIA Box Office. Members receive FREE tickets. Join today! 313.833.7971 Bank of America This exhibition has been organized by the Cleveland Museum of Art. Me' 1161 In Detroit, the exhibition is proudly sponsored by Bank of America. Additional support has been provided by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the City of Detroit. Amedeo Modigliani (ftelian. 1 884-1920). Portrait of a Woman (detaii), c.1917-18. at on canvas; b5 x 48.3 cm. The Cleveland Museum of Art. Gift of the Hanna Fund 1951.358. 0 The Cleveland Museum of Art. Karl Schmidt-Rottluff (German, 1884-1976). Self-lixtrait with Hat :detail), 1919. Oii on canvas; 73.3 x 55 cm. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Beguest of Dr. William R. Vatentiner 1965.440. C 2008 Artists Rights Society (ARS). New York / VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn. 1 4 156311, , SUSHI S MURty Japanese Restaurant Beer Wine now available Ph: 248-737-4408 Fax: 248-737-5032 • Catering and Carry-out Available • Gift Certificates Available 4157 Orchard La , Orchard Lake, MI 48323 N Pontiac Trail ;1. Business Hours: Mon-Sat 11:30am - 10:00pm Sunday 4:30 - 9:00pm • (with ad only) 12/25/08 through 1/7/09 Orchard Lake Road o a Bill lone Pine (17 mile) SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY, Shop with our advertisers! December 25 • 2008 A33