I’m planning my D’var Torah that I’m scheduled to deliver on 12/1/18 and have decided to keep you on the loop as it progresses in front of you day to day (see below). Over time modifications will be made and you will see it occur within your eyes.
I’m eager to tell you some exciting news in my life and show you possessions that I have recently acqurired yet I worry about being boastful or even leading others to thoughts of envy. This is a battle we must all balances and one which Joseph with his incredible dreams as well as beautiful coat dealt with as well. Modesty is important but it can also do a great deal of harm.
(1) Doctor in the house- Rebbetzin Yocheved Weinbach
Yet openly boasting has led too many to hate instead of love. A jealousy that can turn to rage in which innocent talk is used by other to incite violence and all forms of Anti- someone.
Let me suggest that there might be path which could work for all as I add a bit of creative license do the story of Joseph in the summation.
Yet how do we write this story in our own life’s. Telling our own moments without ego leading the way Alan Morinis from “With Heart In Mind” has helped me to fill in some of the spaces as I continue study Mussar. Mussar in a nutshell is “Jewish Self Improvement based on the good book.
Here’s a few ways that could keep us all level headed.
(1) ACKNOWLEDGEMENT- Know that G-D has put you in the space you are in with all the facilties you have been provided. Yes, you worked hard to get there but if the engine wasn’t running and you were driving in the woods you’d be stuck.
(2) CREDIT- It may not take a village but a group of friends, family and even acquaintances that have inspired you to go this far. Thank them before you thank yourself.
(3) WITH LOVE & HUMILITY- Try to listen to the story you are about to tell as if you were the one receiving it.
(4) SHARE- Maybe the coat should have turned into scarves in the end.
(5) LISTEN- Even as you have a great story to tell listen to those who’s story is great to them.
(6) JEALOUSY INSIDE- Realize that with every gift there is an extra burden-
(a) Fancy Cars need Fancy Insurance,
(b) Having a great position- might be having a lousy leisure life-
(c) What looks good in another’s’ closet really doesn’t fit the closet you’re in now.
(d) Be happy for others might just make you happier for yourself.
I hope that I will be able to incorporate these teachings in my life not only as one who has good stories to tell but one who receives them too. This has not always been the case for at times my mind has swerved into “why not me”and “isn’t fair”. I pray that my soul will catch me when that occurs to thank G-D for others success and be thankful for what is on my table as well.
So here’s my new edited verstion on the Joseph story.
(2) Joseph says to his brothers G-D has provided me with this incredible dream that I need your wisdom to understand what it truly means for it makes no real sense to me. If in some way it appears arrogant in any way please forgive me for it’s not my intention I only mean to share it with those that I respect and love. Please also tell me about your dreams as well.
This might have not changed the 400 years which were already quote planned but at least it might have had a happier beggining.
May G-D similarly bless you all with great rewards of happiness and success in whatever endeavors you shoot for and the ability to share the story with others who will feel only love for you not envy. So we all can reach for the stars that appear on our night’s sky with happiness, health and love.
