Words From Rabbi White

Dear Chevra Shaas/Shearith Israel

YOSEPH THE ONEIROCRITIC (Onirocritique in French)

Hope that word caught your attention. It means an interpreter of dreams, from the Greek “oneiros,” meaning “dream.” It’s a real word!

Pharaoh called Yoseph to interpret his dreams.  Yoseph, as we know, answered modestly: “that is beyond me: it is God who will respond with Pharaoh’s welfare.” [Artscroll translation]

Pharaoh told Yoseph that he had two dreams: in both, the weak overcomes the strong: seven emaciated cows devour seven healthy ones; and then, seven withered ears of corn swallow up seven good ears.

Amazingly, again in these past weeks we can see a reflection of this in current events: the sliver of a state that is Medinat Israel is more than holding its own against the surrounding nations that are determined to commit genocide, God forbid, against Israel. [Remember what I wrote last week about the chapter that precedes last week’s haftarah: describing the downfall of Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza!]

And just as Pharaoh recognized that there was “no one as discerning and wise” as Yoseph, many recognize that, despite his flaws, there is no one in Israel as qualified to lead the country in these times of crisis as the current Prime Minister.

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The wine steward comes across as a nice guy, just forgetful. He tells Pharaoh that there is someone who can interpret dreams. Now he remembers that when he was in prison, there was “a Hebrew lad, a slave to the ”sar ha-tabbahim” who was a great oneirocritic, a dream interpreter. However, Rashi, based on midrash Rabbah, detected a contemptuous attitude in the wine steward’s choice of words: A lad,” i.e., doesn’t really deserve honour; “a Hebrew”, i.e., doesn’t even speak Egyptian well; “a slave” i.e., according to the laws of the country, cannot wear princely garments.

I was thinking of this Rashi a few days ago. Since, “you can take the boy out of Montreal, but you can’t take Montreal out of the boy,” I occasionally read the Montreal Gazette on my internet. There was a column by Allison Hanes from December 13, entitled “Hanukkah in dark times.” It starts out as a most sympathetic article, reviewing the history of antisemitism in Montreal, while pointing out that antisemitism has never been as strong as this past year. She blames Mayor Plante for not speaking more forcefully against the demonstrations. Very nice article!!

But then, in the spirit of the wine steward, she concludes her article by writing “to be sure, the protesters’ concerns are legitimate. … the more it starts to look like a genocide.” And she concludes her article by saying “that doesn’t mean Montreal’s Jewish community is to blame” for Israel’s terrible actions. Oy vey! The wine steward would be proud.  Sadly, Ms. Hanes can’t understand that it is the other side that is intent on genocide, God forbid, whereas Israel is just trying to defend itself from future attacks.

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A while ago, I wrote you about a unique opportunity to participate in a “mission” to Israel, under the auspices of the Teaneck newspaper “the Jewish Link,” organized by ex-Montrealer Nina Glick, and led in Israel by experienced educator/tour guide American oleh Peter Abelow.  The date of the mission has been changed to a more convenient time: March 2 to March 9. The group leaves from Newark airport, but you are free to make your own travel arrangements, should you prefer.  From personal experience, I can strongly recommend participation.  For more information, contact Nina directly at nina@jewishlinknj.com.  Or call 201-895-3061.  I would also be very happy to speak to you about my experience on last year's trip. You can reach me at whitemenahem@hotmail.com or call me at 551-206-0395.

Shabbat shalom, Hanukkah sameah to you and to all Am Israel