Rabbi Weill's Blog

Dear Friends,

Introducing … “Folk & Rock Torah.”  Each week – for the time being – I will play a recording of a song that reflects a theme within that week’s Torah portion. I will do this immediately following our evening minyan – typically on Wednesdays.

This week I shared “Takin’ It to the Streets” by the Doobie Brothers. It begins, “You don’t know me, but I’m your brother. I was raised here in this living hell.” That powerful opening line captures Joseph’s revelation to his brothers, who had sold him into slavery twenty years earlier. The phrase “living hell” also captures the corrupt nature – as depicted in Torah – of ancient Egypt.

The brothers do not recognize Joseph, for he has become an extraordinarily powerful Egyptian, and he dresses, speaks and acts the part. He reveals himself, saying, “I am Joseph, your brother.”

I have already chosen the song for next week’s Torah portion. Please attend minyan on Wednesday to hear it! (Actually, come to minyan every night at 7:00.)

By the way, on some weeks, Cantor Gale will dive into his “Way Back Music Machine” to choose a song as well!

Enjoy “Folk & Rock Torah” and Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Jeffrey Weill 

Here’s Takin’ It to the Streets:

The Doobie Brothers Takin' It to the Streets on Vinyl with Lyrics in Description - YouTube