Parashat Miketz and Chanukah: A Legacy of Light
- Yudit Rosenbaum
- Jan 11
- 2 min read
Good morning and Happy Chanukah! I hope you can take a moment before Shabbos to reflect on this week’s insights.
Honoring My Father: A Zechus for Torah and Education
This Rosh Chodesh marks the 23rd yahrtzeit of my dear father, Rav Zushe ben Harav Yechiel זצ״ל. May his neshama have an aliyah. He rebuilt Torah life after the war, establishing yeshivas in England and Morocco, and saved Moroccan Jewry from assimilation. His love for Torah, warmth, and enthusiasm touched everyone around him—a zechus for our entire family.
Parashat Miketz: Yosef’s Journey
This week we read Parashat Miketz. Yosef was sold at 17, spent one year in Potiphar’s house, ten years in prison (reflecting the lashon hara he spoke against his brothers), and two extra years due to trusting the wine butler. At 30, on Rosh Hashanah, he was suddenly elevated to power in Egypt—a true example of “Yeshuat Hashem keheref ayin,” redemption in an instant.
Understanding Darkness
Yosef’s life shows us spiritual darkness: the pit, prison, and exile. Darkness is not just physical—it can be spiritual. Greek civilization, for instance, brought intellectual brilliance but lacked holiness, creating a spiritual void. Even Alexander the Great recognized the power of Jewish holiness, shown in his encounter with Shimon HaTzaddik.
Chanukah: Restoring Light
After the Greeks and Hellenists tried to impose their culture, the Chashmonaim fought to restore the purity of Torah and avodah. Lighting pure oil symbolizes restoring holiness. The Menorah represents the Oral Torah—the living light that cannot be extinguished.
Yagata U’Matzata: Effort and Divine Completion
Just as Moshe and Betzalel tried and Hashem completed the Menorah, the Chashmonaim did everything they could to save Torah, and Hashem completed the miracle. Chanukah’s eight days reflect Hashem’s mastery over nature, the dedication of the Mishkan, and the continuation of holiness despite Greek attempts to destroy it.
Beit Hillel vs. Beit Shammai
Beit Hillel teaches us to increase holiness gradually—adding light each day—while Beit Shammai focuses on correcting faults. The Hillel approach reminds us to grow positively, letting our light gradually remove darkness.
Responsibility and Teshuvah
In Parashat Miketz, Yosef’s brothers recognize their guilt and take responsibility. Similarly, Chanukah inspires us to actively add light and care into the world, especially in times of tragedy.
A Story of Gratitude and Miracles
A couple unable to have children was guided to thank Hashem daily. Within months, they miraculously conceived. This teaches us: “Al nisecha v’al niflotecha”—everything comes from Hashem, beyond nature.
Conclusion: Light, Hope, and Mashiach
May we soon witness Mashiach and salvation for Am Yisrael and for our personal needs. May this Chanukah inspire us to bring more light, warmth, and care into the world.
Wishing you a beautiful Shabbos, Chodesh Tov, and much love from Yerushalayim.
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