Perashat Vayigash 5777

Perashat Vayigash 5777

A turning point in early Jewish History takes place in this week’s Perashat Vayigash. The center of action changes from the Land of Israel to Egypt. After residing for 22 years in the Land of Israel, Ya’akob moves southward toward Egypt to see his beloved son Yoseph. Accompanying Ya’akob were all his children and grandchildren - totaling seventy people - including Yoseph and his children!

On his way to Egypt, Ya’akob, sent Yehudah, his son with leadership qualities, ahead of him, to prepare the town of Goshen for their arrival. Why was it necessary for Ya’akob to send his son Yehudah to prepare the town for their arrival? Weren’t they the guests of Pharaoh and Yoseph? Wouldn’t Pharaoh and Yoseph have prepared the town for their arrival? Having the supreme leaders of a country prepare for one’s visit requires nothing from the visitor to worry about during his stay! I am sure Yoseph would have, at least, have been concerned that his father and family would have had a proper place to stay and live.

Our Sages comment on the word “להורות– to show the way” - emphasizing the different meaning of the word “להורות– to teach”. Ya’akob, as interpreted by our Sages, was not concerned or worried about his lodging or comfort. He was concerned about the spiritual survival and continuity of his family and the new generation to be born in Egypt after his passing. Ya’akob sent Yehudah to establish an educational institution where Ya’akob’s children, grandchildren and all the generations to come would be educated in order to maintain a loyalty to Abraham’s and Isaac’s traditions and values. Without any concern about the education and edification in their family and community values, this new generation would not survive the foreign cultural onslaught that would be surrounding them. 

Throughout the rest of Jewish History, from the days of Ya’akob until today, Jewish communities in their dispersion throughout the world have always strived, as soon as they arrive at new shores and towns, to establish schools and learning centers. Formal and informal centers of education subsequently flourish in these new towns and cities, thereby reassuring Jewish survival and continuity. Without it, we would have become yet another ancient people that became extinct and were featured in a museum exhibit.

Following in the footsteps of Ya’akob, right here in the City of New York, six years ago we established the Sephardic Academy of Manhattan (S.A.M.) to ensure the survival and continuity of our people and community. The Academy focuses in instilling our Traditions and Values in a cutting edge educational environment. More than anything else, it provides the wherewithal to all the students in order to survive and flourish as proud Sephardic Jews for many generations to come. The Academy is poised to grow to an Elementary School level. As you have heard we have signed a contract to purchase a building where it will house our Lower School classroom from Kindergarten to Fifth grade and possibly to Eight grade. We are very enthusiastic about this project and with the help of G-d we will be able to provide the educational institution that our community needs. Our values, traditions and customs are too cherished to give it up to other institutions to teach, We must be the ones to impart and teach those values. As Ya’akob was concerned to send Yehuda to prepare that educational institution for his descendants, so too we have that responsibility. 

As we proceed to acquire the building were the Academy will be housed, we will need your enthusiasm, help and support to make this dream a reality, as Yosef made His father’s desire come true. We will be launching a campaign shortly, and we invite all of you to participate and be part in this holy endeavor; to secure the education of our future generations.