This Sabbath is a unique one: not only do we read the usual weekly portion, but we also add additional readings for the new month of Tevet. Three separate Torah scrolls are typically required, so it is a very special confluence of events.
The portion tells the second part of the story of Joseph, when he interprets Pharaoh's dreams and is made second-in-command of Egypt; and when his brothers come to buy food and do not recognize the man they sold into slavery.
There are many fascinating aspects of this story, but one that is intriguing seems almost to be a narrative inconsistency. The brothers seem to assume that Joseph is Egyptian, but he does not dine with the other Egyptians.
The Egyptians know he is a Hebrew, and they do not dine with Hebrews -- whether Joseph, or his brothers. So Joseph dines at his own table. Perhaps the brothers assumed that was because of his status -- but did they not get a hint?
Just a question, among many... and that is the continuing joy of this portion, which I enjoyed in theatrical form in Toronto this week at a production of *Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." It remains so wonderful.
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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