Parshat Vayeshev

December 20, 2019
BBYO Weekly Parsha

AZA & BBG

Read more from this author →

Our teenage years are said to be the best years of our lives, but every day can’t be perfect. We spend late nights studying impossible subjects, going through messy breakups, competing on varsity sports teams, waking up at the crack of dawn, and more. Somehow, we’re still expected to keep our heads up and hold our chins high. We have big goals; we want to win the competition, ace the test, become the class president, and make an impact. Our teenage years are actually all a balancing act, and we often lose sight of what is possible and what is simply unachievable. Sometimes we need to gain perspective because we are not perfect, and we can’t do everything all the time.

Joseph had a dream in Vayeshev. He actually had quite a few of them.  He dreamt of the moon and stars bowing down to him. He dreamt that people praised him and loved him, but this was simply an escape from the unfortunate reality that he was hated by his brothers and questioned by his parents. Joseph fell into a balancing act, just like us teens, between who he dreamt of becoming and who he really was.

Sometimes, teens are like Joseph. We let our imaginations get the best of us and often lose sight of reality. When Joseph is in jail, he helps interpret the dreams of a butler and another prisoner because they are feeling overwhelmed and have no idea what they’re dreams mean. When we find ourselves in overwhelming situations, we must think like Joseph. We have to step back and analyze the situation to find perspective. Is staying awake all night to study really worth it if it will cause exhaustion all day tomorrow? Is a relationship really that important if it causes stress all the time? In challenging moments like these, where our dreams might lead us down an unproductive path, we must remember how Joseph saw the world. He didn’t mistake his dreams for reality. He knew that the moon and stars wouldn’t literally bow down to him, but instead, he understood them as metaphors and aspirations. Sometimes we learn more from deciding not to study the extra hour or persist in the relationship. Our teenage years can be the best of our lives, so long as we handle our stressful moments and refuse to lose perspective, even if it means taking a few steps back to move just one step forward.

Shabbat Shalom,

GMR Shlichim, Kelly Fagel and Zack Cohen

Read commentary on this week's Parsha from BBYO teens around the world.

All views expressed on content written for The Shofar represent the opinions and thoughts of the individual authors. The author biography represents the author at the time in which they were in BBYO.

Explore More Stories

Spotlight

2023 Must Reads!

Ella Young
Michigan, United States

In need of a good book? Or want to start reading and want to know where to start? This list is for you!Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid: This book is amazing! It centers around a popular Hollywood actress, Evelyn Hugo, and all about her life story. It is very fun to read, and has a HUGE plot twist! Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid: Interested in music? You should read Daisy Jones and the Six! In this story, you learn about a band that becomes very popular, and all the ups and downs they face. It is a super entertaining read and is being turned into a TV show in March 2023! It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover: This story follows Lily Bloom, a girl who recently moved to Boston, and ready to start her new life. Through the book, you see how Lily evolves, and deals with a very impactful account. This book is so good, you won’t be able to put it down! All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin: Emily Giffin tells a very impactful story about an event that happens, and three different perspectives about it. The book highlights difficult topics, and shows how multiple people can change a story. The ending is very emotional, and definitely a book to add to your read list! Paper Towns by John Green: A story of adventure, romance, and mystery, Paper Towns is a book that keeps readers on their toes! It shows the dynamic between Margo, the most popular girl at school, and Quentin, a socially awkward boy who lives across the street from Margo. After one crazy night together, Margo disappears and leaves clues for Quentin to find her. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat! Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid: It is August of 1983, and super Nina Riva is getting ready to throw her annual end of summer party. This book shows how in 24 hours, a LOT can happen. Malibu Rising is a super fun read, and shows how the different Riva kids can change in one day. Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon: Like to read books about academic rivals? This story is for you! Rowan and Neil have been rivals, but after they are forced to team up, things change for them. This is a super cute book with a sweet ending!

Get The Shofar blasted to your inbox

Subscribe
Subscribe