Haftorah Vayeishev: Amos 2:6-3:8.

In this week’s haftorah, the sale of Joseph by his brothers is referenced, which appears in the Torah portion. The prophet Amos scolds the Jewish people for their transgressions—reminding them that G-d has been exceedingly patient about really bad behavior including idolatry and murder. But they crossed the line this time with mistreatment of society’s most vulnerable classes—widows, orphans, and the poor.

Amos reminds us how not too long ago it was the Jewish people who were vulnerable, and we were led from slavery in Egypt to settle a promised land. Amos describes a potential punishment for becoming too prideful to be kind—“the stout-hearted among the mighty shall flee naked on that day.” And there’s nothing more vulnerable than having to run away without your knickers!

Through Amos’ prophesy we’re reminded that it is because of this special relationship with G-d, much more is expected of the Jewish people. “Only [Read more…]