Let the Light Lead
There is a strong debate these days about the value of therapy. Therapy is all about the self. Looking into the dark places and trying to decipher their origins. Perhaps the approach ought to be to think less of the self and focus on the actions we need to take. If we take that approach then perhaps the darkness will dissipate on its own
In other words, do we need to resolve the issues that hold us back first or do we need to move forward and let the light guide the way?
In this week's Torah portion we read of Jacob's nearing his passing. Joseph brings his sons Menashe and Ephraim to receive Jacob's blessing. Ephraim the younger one and Menashe the older.
In the famous imagery, Jacob crosses his hands and places his right hand on the head of Ephraim and his left on Menashe. Joseph, ever sensitive to conflict among brothers, tells his father that Menashe is the older and thus Jacob's right hand ought to rest there.
Jacob says that he is aware of this and yet Ephraim will be greater and thus his right hand will rest there.
There are many commentaries that attempt to decipher this unique event.
Here is one: Menashe means to forget or to turn away from. It is a reference to the darkness that lives inside each of us. Each of us must rid ourselves of their shortcomings and ought to turn away from negativity.
Ephraim means to be fruitful and to move forward with abundance. This is a reference to focusing on proactive moving forward and bringing in light.
Joseph knows better than anyone the darkness of the world and of Egypt. From his vantage point the first step is to move away from the negativity before bringing in light. And so he puts Menashe first.
Jacob's vantage point is the end goal, the bringing in of light. In this ideal view, the focus needs to be on the positive and light. And so he puts his right hand on the head of Ephraim.
The Rebbe taught us that the work of battling the darkness is behind us. Accordingly, it is time to focus on light and positivity.
Therapy is a necessity if it is holding us back but it is not an end unto itself but a way to release the hold of the darkness so we can get focused on the main work of bringing in light.
2025 was a dark year and ended with an even greater pain with the massacre in Bondi. As we start a new year, we are afforded an opportunity to strengthen ourselves with light and goodness and move forward with proactivity and goodness.
Good Shabbos and a prosperous and light filled 2026!
With all my love,
Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman
Continue Reading
