Chanting away in Hebrew for some sounds melodic, for others monotone, and even a bit gutteral. But, one question the incessant chanting begs is, "What are they talking about"?
I've just finished writing the program that we'll share at the service to help those who may not be familiar with a Jewish service, become more familiar with the basics. When I finished up the Cliff Notes, I realized I'd barely scratched the surface. As Indigo Montoya said in the movie the Princess Bride, "Let me explain...wait we don't have enough time, let me sum up."
At the end of the service Andrew will deliver a D'var Torah, or sermon reflecting on what the section he read means and what it can teach the congregation. His Torah portion (the story he is chanting in Hebrew) is called Vayachi. The portion opens with Jacob addressing his sons as he lays down on his death bed. Jacob addresses each of the sons and shares what he feels are their gifts and their misgivings. He discusses where he would like to be burried and the importance of his faith.
If you saw the play, Joseph and the Amazing Technocolor Dreamcoat, you'll remember that Joseph's brothers are jealous of the attention Jacob pays and throw him in a pit to die. In the section Andrew is reading from this event has already taken place and Joseph chooses to forgive his brothers. He does so as a form of Shalom Bayit, or peace in the home. Figuring what's done is done and it is now time to move forward.
If you saw the play, Joseph and the Amazing Technocolor Dreamcoat, you'll remember that Joseph's brothers are jealous of the attention Jacob pays and throw him in a pit to die. In the section Andrew is reading from this event has already taken place and Joseph chooses to forgive his brothers. He does so as a form of Shalom Bayit, or peace in the home. Figuring what's done is done and it is now time to move forward.
Heavy topic for a 12 year old to wrestle with. You'll hear Andrew dig into the concept of Shalom Bayit as well as honesty, and when is it okay to stretch the truth. A terrific topic for him to consider as he enters his teen years. When do you decide to tell your parents about the trouble you and your friends got into, and when do you choose not to. What are the consequences? And when should you hold your tongue and not say anything at all. If I'm wearing an ugly shirt, is it really necessary to tell me how awful I look, or should you just accept it say nothing and move on?
Consider this your Torah teaser. If you'd like to learn more about what Andrew is talking about, I'm including a few links that will help provide more familiarity.
Wikipedia -- Vayechi
Torah.org -- Vayechi
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