Hanukkah & Parashat Mikeitz: Embracing Light, Faith, and True Wisdom

Hello, everyone. Tonight marks the Yahrzeit (anniversary of passing) of my dear father, Zusha ben Rav Yechiel, a tremendous source of inspiration for our family. Although I cannot travel to Yerushalayim, I wish to send out this short message to bring some Nachas (spiritual gratification) to his Neshamah (soul), may it have an Aliyah.

We are now approaching the last days of Hanukkah. The question we ought to ask ourselves is: What message are we taking with us from this Festival of Lights? Hanukkah's message is Mosif V'Holoch – adding a new light every night, striving for spiritual elevation. What insights can we carry forward this week, as we also read Parashat Mikeitz?

Mikeitz: The End of Darkness

The Midrash tells us that the word "Mikeitz" (after) signifies "Ketz Sam LaChoshech" – Hashem put an end to the darkness. This applies to Yosef, who, after ten years in prison, had to endure another two. But finally, light entered his life. This teaches us a fundamental truth: no matter the challenges or difficulties, there is always an end to darkness. Just as the sun inevitably rises, light will enter our lives. Hashem is always preparing to end our personal darkness.

Yosef's extra two years in prison stemmed from his asking the butler to remember him, saying "Zacharteini" (remember me) twice. The Midrash explains that Hashem "judges the greatest Tzadikim (righteous individuals) like the width of a hair" (Metagdim Tzadikim Kechutas HaSaarah). Yosef shouldn't have relied so heavily on a human agent.

However, Yosef, being a Tzadik, realized his error when the butler, once freed, completely forgot him. He made Teshuvah (repentance). How do we know this? Because when his moment of freedom arrived, V'Yaritzuhu – they rushed him out of prison. Brought before Pharaoh, who asked if he could interpret dreams, Yosef declared: "Bil'adai, Elokim Ya'aneh Et Shlom Paroh" – "It is not within me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer." He could have taken credit, or asked Pharaoh for mercy. Instead, he acknowledged that his success was solely from Hashem. His faith (Bitachon) was now complete.

My father always used to quote a pasuk (verse) from Job: "Chochmah Mi'Ayin Timatzei?" – "Wisdom, from where is it found?" Rav Elchanan Wasserman, Hashem Yikom Damo (may Hashem avenge his blood), explained: True wisdom (Chochmah) is when you realize "Mi'Ayin" – that you are absolutely Ayin (nothing), that your own wisdom and logical calculations are nothing. Everything comes from Hashem. This is true faith, and it is what brings about Geulah (redemption).

He used to ask how the Germans, a highly cultured nation, could commit such horrific crimes. His answer: their pride and arrogance, their belief in their own wisdom, led them to unimaginable evil. True wisdom lies in recognizing that you receive everything from Hashem.

Hanukkah's Message: Bitachon and Torah Light

This is the very essence of Hanukkah and the Hashmonaim. They fought without logical calculations or strategic planning. They went to war purely for Kiddush Hashem – to sanctify God's Name and eradicate idol worship from Eretz Yisrael. Their faith was absolute. The Midrash says there were only 13 strong soldiers against hundreds of thousands of Greek soldiers. Yet, they knew Hashem would bring them from darkness to light, granting them victory. This is why we repeat in Al HaNissim: "Rabbim B'Yad Me'atim" – "A multitude (fell) into the hands of a very small minority." How can a minority succeed against such odds? Because when you have Bitachon and rely on Hashem, that is the first message of Hanukkah. If you fight for the right reasons, Hashem will help and sustain you.

On Hanukkah, we light the menorah each night to commemorate the purification and rededication of the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple) and the lighting of its Menorah. What are we lighting? As we say, "Ner Mitzvah V'Torah Or" – "The candle is a mitzvah, and Torah is light." We must fight for the values of Torah.

The Hashmonaim fought not for political freedom or strategic gain, but to free the land from the false values of Hellenistic civilization – their obsession with external beauty, physical prowess, aesthetics, architecture, and philosophy. The Hashmonaim declared: We believe only in spiritual beauty. The only light that truly illuminates the world is "Ner Mitzvah V'Torah Or."

May this message of Bitachon, recognizing our dependence on Hashem, and our commitment to Torah's spiritual light, bring comfort and Nachas to the Neshamah of my dear father, and be a source of inspiration for us all.