Rabbi Weill's Blog

December 21, 2023

Dear Friends,

Each Wednesday evening, at the conclusion of our 18-minute weekday minyan, I present FOLK-ROCK-TORAH. I recite original light verse that describes an aspect of the week’s Torah portion and also hints at a folk or rock song. Those online try to guess the song as I recite the poem.

This week’s Torah portion is Va’Yigash, at the beginning of which Judah steps forward and confronts the capricious, powerful Egyptian who has already taken as a slave one of Judah’s brother and is now threatening to do the same to the youngest brother, Benjamin. Judah’s speech prompts the leader to reveal his true identity. It is Joseph, the brother they sold into slavery many years earlier. Enjoy this week’s FOLK-ROCK-TORAH – and come to the next one!

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Jeffrey Weill

FOLK-ROCK-TORAH: VA’YIGASH

I’m not turning back

As you push us around

I’m stepping toward you

I am not backing down

You cannot toy with us

Like some pawns in your hand

We will not concede

To your every demand

You’ve already been cruel

By taking one brother

Enough is enough

You’re not taking another

I don’t care that you’re powerful

Much more so than we

I must speak my mind

And you will hear my plea

Do not call me petty

I’m just being straightforward

I’m Judah the Lion

I am not a coward

Yes, sometimes this old world

May spin me around

But now I declare

I am not backing down

Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers - I Won't Back Down (Official Music Video) (youtube.com)