Parshas Vayigash – Preparing For The Long Haul

cedar trees

The Torah describes the reunification of Yaakov with his long-lost son, Yosef. It was a bittersweet episode, as Yaakov and his family were now descending to Egypt, where they would ultimately remain, in exile. Yaakov began his journey to Egypt by first stopping off in Be’er Sheba. The Midrash explains that Yaakov went to cut down cedar trees planted by Avraham to bring along with him. Yosef assured his father that the entire family could leave all their possessions behind in the land of Canaan, so they could make all haste in coming to Egypt. The best that Egypt had to offer was at their disposal. They could obtain any furnishings or other needs as they desired. They may have heeded Yosef’s logistical concerns for the most part. Yaakov however, was determined to cut down these trees and bring them along. These trees would be transplanted in Egypt and eventually would be taken from Egypt in their exodus to be used for wood needed for the Holy Tabernacle.

Rabbi Yaakov Kaminetzky explained that Yaakov sensed the challenge that lay ahead for his later descendants. The glamour and glitz of the foreign lifestyle his grandchildren were bound to encounter would prove to be too attractive to resist. But parents and grandparents would bring their children to the cedar grove in Goshen. “Our Patriarch, Avraham, first planted these trees in the land of Canaan many years ago. He knew that one day, maybe in your time, they would be used to build a magnificent Tabernacle, so that G-d can rest in your midst. We won’t be slaves in Egypt forever. This is not our place.” Those trees represented the hope and dream of a holy nation that would someday devote their lives to the service of the Lord. Those trees kept the dream alive through the generations of bondage and suffering. The Rabbis teach that the wood of the Tabernacle’s walls and beams was “upright cedar wood”. They are standing firm and proud to this day. No rot or deterioration set in. Even after many centuries, they will remain hidden away, awaiting the coming of the Messiah.

There are two things to take from this. Firstly, we’ve all got dreams and hopes. When we concretize them in some fashion they serve as a reminder of what we still wish to accomplish. When you set those proverbial cedar trees on your desk every day you’re reminded of what you believe you can be. This applies both to spiritual and non-spiritual goals.

Secondly, as Jews we are blessed to live in a time when we have a lot. A lot of freedom, wealth, space, and opportunities. Yet, as Jews we need to set up special concrete reminders that we have specific goals, objectives, and dreams as well.

When we share a delightful holiday like Chanukah together with friends and family, when we attend shul services together, or when we have our weekly or nightly learning engagement, all in a meaningful way, we show those around us especially the impressionable ones what our lives are really all about. Those will serve as memories and reminders for them when they go through their own Jewish journeys.

Have a great Shabbos!

Rabbi Yisroel Kleinman

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