Faith and Belief---A meditation by Rabbi Stacy Rigler on Genesis 41:1−44:17 and a Chanukah greeting from Rabbi Lindsey Danziger

I enjoy reading and posting Rabbi Rigler's reflections that I find at ReformJudaism.org and I hope that readers of this blog enjoy them as well. In a recent blog post Rabbi Rigler takes on what "religious" means and takes us to talking about "stories of faith, leadership, miracles, and self-advocacy all around us" starting with Genesis 41:1−44:17.

Rabbi Rigler says in part

When I shared with friends that I wanted to be a rabbi, they all had the same reaction: "I didn't know you were that religious." I wondered, what does "religious" look like? They knew I spent time at my synagogue and went away for weekends with my youth group. Most of the time, religion was not discussed. When it was, my beliefs focused on social welfare and public policy than doctrine or ritual.

Descriptions of religion often focus on belief, miracles, and observance. I have always wondered more about the connection between religion and self-confidence or inner faith. This week's Torah portion, Mikeitz, relies on the faith of multiple characters and reminds us of the importance of our inner voice.

Once again, we find Joseph, believing in his abilities, his own leadership, and the power of his dreams. In Mikeitz, he interprets Pharaoh's dreams and implements a 14-year food sustainability plan for Egypt and the surrounding region. The story is told without questions, concerns, or doubt. Joseph's father, Jacob, sends his 10 brothers to Egypt to get food. When Joseph is reunited with his brothers, he devises a plan to learn if they have grown or changed. The brothers, too, believe in this new leader and rely on him to save them, even though they do not recognize their own brother. Every piece of this story reminds us of the power and courage that leadership requires. Every character demonstrates the faith needed to believe in oneself and others to be a leader.

Please read the rest here.

Meanwhile, Rabbi Lindsey Danziger sent out the following e-mail

Chag sameach and wishing you a Happy Chanukah! As we approach the darkest time of the year, our festival of light comes to remind us to have faith and to persevere.

Chanukah is a story of miracles: of one night’s supply of oil lasting for eight days; of a grassroots uprising persevering over a powerful and oppressive military force. It is a story of God’s awesome grace. But Chanukah is also a tale of what can be accomplished when we are brave enough to put ourselves out there and try to achieve the unachievable. When we work alongside God to bring light and justice to the world, that is when miracles are possible.

To those who are celebrating Chanukah, and to those who are not, may you find the audacity to bring light into the dark winter months and maybe even to bring some miracles into your lives and your communities.

Rabbi Lindsey Danziger (she/her)
Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism