Shabbat Greetings
Our Torah portion this week is the second part of the Joseph “trilogy”, Vayigash (Genesis 44:18-47:27). It begins with a courageous act of closeness:“And Judah approached him.” (44:18) Judah steps forward not knowing how he will be received. He approaches Joseph across boundaries of power, culture, and lived experience. That moment of approach changes everything. It opens the door to reconciliation, healing, and the rebuilding of a family.
This portion speaks powerfully to us as a Jewish communit, especially at this time of year, when many of our families are navigating multiple traditions, calendars, and identities, often with care, love, and intention. Today, we want to say something clearly and explicitly: Interfaith families are not at the margins of Jewish life. You are central to it.
Like Judah, many interfaith families “approach” Jewish community with courage. You show up, sometimes unsure how you’ll be received, sometimes carrying questions or vulnerability and in doing so, you strengthen us all. Your presence calls us to be better versions of ourselves: more welcoming, more articulate about our values, and more intentional in how we live meaningful Jewish lives.
Joseph’s story reminds us that Jewish identity has always been lived in conversation with the world around us. Joseph thrives in Egypt without losing his soul. Judah speaks from deep responsibility, not from purity or perfection. The Torah here does not present a single model of belonging; it presents relationship. And relationship is what builds community.
In this season, when the broader culture may be celebrating in ways that are not our own, interfaith families often carry a unique emotional and spiritual labor. You help create Jewish homes where choice is intentional, where Judaism is practiced not by default, but by love, commitment, and meaning. That is not a weakness; it is a profound strength.
We thank you. You enrich our synagogues, our classrooms, our holiday tables, and our future. You remind us that Judaism grows not by closing doors, but by opening hearts, by saying vayigash, come closer.
May we, as a community, continue to approach one another with generosity and trust. May we learn to speak our values clearly and warmly. And may every family who seeks connection to Jewish life know that their presence matters deeply, and that our community is stronger because you are here.
SHABBAT SHALOM