This week's portion begins what I consider the greatest story ever told by human beings: the journey of Joseph. It is the ultimate "prequel," the back story of the liberation of the Jewish people and the giving of the law. But it teaches us so much about faith, and dreams, and destiny, and basic human motivations.
Those familiar with Andrew Lloyd Webber's wonderful "Joseph" musical will recognize the story. But the Biblical text adds another layer of richness.
Toward the end of this week's portion, Joseph finds himself in prison, where he rises to a senior rank among inmates and is sought by others for his advice. He hears the dreams of Pharaoh's butler and baker, and interprets their fates.
When he predicts that the butler will be restored to his position, he asks that he remember Joseph once he is out of prison. The Jewish Sages suggest that Joseph erred by asking for a human favor, rather than trusting in God alone.
But I think Joseph's mistake -- for which, the Sages say, he spent another two years in prison -- had to do with the term he used to describe his prison: a "pit." This is not the only word in Hebrew to describe a jail; but it is is an uglier one.
Interestingly, the word "pit" also describes the place into which Joseph was put when his brothers assaulted him, and before they decided to sell him into slavery. In his own mind, Joseph negates the progress he has made since then.
He is so consumed by his present misfortunes that he forgets, for the moment, that he has grown through his travails -- or that he has the opportunity to do good for those around him. He fails to see the potential in his circumstances.
That is why he spends another two years in prison. It is only when he has the self-awareness and maturity to see the possibilities in every situation that he is ready to emerge -- and to help Pharaoh manage Egypt's coming famine.
This is the final edition of THE AGENDA -- finished a few days early!
This week's portion elucidates some of the first laws and principles of the Torah that follow the Ten Commandments, including -- a message particularly relevant to freed slaves -- the Jewish restrictions on indentured servitude.
God also provides the basic civil laws of Jewish society, governing almost every area of life -- in this one portion! -- as well as several basic principles of faith and religious observance. Moses then ascends Sinai for 40 days.
One of the laws God gives is the law against taunting a foreigner. This is different from allowing people to enter your land illegally; it is about showing respect, however, for people from other lands and other groups.
I am reminded of the importance of this principle because of the rhetoric lately attacking Elon Musk, a fellow South African-turned-American, for his foreign roots -- often by people who favor illegal immigration, ironically.
...
Since the Palisades Fire on January 7, my posts have been fairly sparse. I have just been so busy -- fighting the fire, covering the fire, helping neighbors, and launching a new podcast, "Three Homeless Guys," with two local friends.
Things are up and down. My family is still displaced, and we haven't resolved our living situation. We are awaiting answers from the insurance company (State Farm) on what they will cover, including alternative living expenses.
There are some incredible opportunities opening up -- more on that later -- and our kids are generally doing well, though this has been hard for them as well (especially the two middle kids, who miss their friends and their house).
The emotion of it all hit me yesterday. Today I feel wrung out. But I also feel that, in a way, going through the fire has been a process of refinement, of re-casting in a new mould, to face new challenges. And to win each new day.
So much to talk about, once again, as the Trump administration continues at breakneck pace. From DOGE chewing through the federal bureaucracy, to Marco Rubio heading out on his first missions for Trump, there's so much...
Special guests:
Assemblyman Carl DeMaio -- on the L.A. fires and reforming CA insurance
Matt Boyle -- Breitbart News political editor, on DOGE and confirmations
Jamie Paige -- founder of the Westside Current, on L.A. politics and the fires
Frances Martel -- Breitbart News foreign editor, on Rubio and Russia/Ukraine
Rob Hersov -- South African commentator, on SA's fight with the White House
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