Judah Fine’s Bar Mitzvah

Hello! My name is Judah Fine. I am a seventh grader at Brandeis Marin. I started pre-school at Beth Sholom and have never left. I’m grateful for the foundation and community that Beth Shalom has provided. Some activities I enjoy include soccer, piano, reading and tinkering. I also attend Ramah Galim in Watsonville, CA, during the summertime.

My parsha, Vayeshev, describes the journey of Joseph, who endures hatred from his jealous siblings. He ends up being sold to Potiphar by his brothers and rises to become second in command of Potiphar’s house. He is later falsely accused of committing assault and is thrown in jail. There, he meets the Pharaoh’s former baker and cupbearer and correctly interprets their dreams: one will live, the other will die. In my drash, I will focus on big ideas about divine intervention and the age-old question of what is more important—the journey vs. the destination. 

Lots of people helped me along this journey. I want to thank Rabbi Russell, Noa Bar for teaching me to leyn, Tova Birnbaum for help with my D’var Torah, and my Mission Minyan community. All of you have played a role in supporting me throughout my journey to this day. I would also like to thank my Aba, Ima, and both of my sisters for continuously pushing me forward and being the best family I could wish for. Finally, I would like to thank my Oma and Saba, my Grandma, my uncles and aunt, and everyone else who came from far away to celebrate this day.