The Shikker Dovid is always saddened when he hears derogatory remarks about the Non-Jewish holidays that fall out this time of year. It is important to recognize that we don’t observe this holiday, (yes Christmas) but good people in our community and in our country do observe. We should be respectful and wish them a pleasant and a meaningful holiday. We Learn this from Vayigash.

The Torah tells us in Chapter 47 pasuk 22, ” Only the land of the” priests”, he (joseph) did not acquire. Rashi tells us the priests refer to clergy. The Torah then tells us this again, a second time later in pasuk 26 using the same language: “only the priests land did not become Pharoahs”

Why does the Torah need to repeat and use the same language? The Shikker Dovid would like to point to the Rashi, a clergy who serves a deity or a minister. Clearly there is some respect the Torah is going to accord these people. Joseph is going to give these people respect. The repetition is to remind us that there are other people in this world. We do not have to accept or believe in their faith, but we must respect and recognize their faith with sensitivity and without narrow minded behavior.