Parshat Vayeshev and the Deeper Message of Hanukkah: Lighting Up Darkness

This week, I send heartfelt prayers for the safety of all hostages and for all the injured and wounded. May Hashem grant a complete and speedy recovery, and may we soon share only besurot tovot — good news — and yeshuot v’nechamot — salvations and comforts.

Connecting Parshat Vayeshev to Hanukkah 2025

This week’s Parshat Vayeshev sets the tone beautifully for the upcoming Hanukkah, which begins Wednesday evening, b’ezrat Hashem (with God’s help). As we approach the Festival of Lights, it’s meaningful to reflect on the deeper messages of Hanukkah.

Hanukkah: Lighting Up the Darkness — Physically and Spiritually

Hanukkah symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness — both in the physical world and our spiritual lives. Even during yeridot (spiritual descents and challenges), Hashem desires our growth and leshem aliyah — elevation to higher spiritual levels.

The Power of One: How Each Individual Brings Light to the World

The holiday teaches us about the incredible power of one person to bring light and holiness (kedusha) into the world. Imagine if we all fully realized the light within us — how much positivity and spiritual elevation we could create!

Parshat Vayeshev: The Anti-Thesis of Darkness

In this parshah, we read about Yosef’s sale and his journey to Egypt, alongside Yehudah’s personal struggles. These stories connect deeply to Hanukkah’s message.

• Gematria and Symbolism: Chazal teach that Yosef’s gematria equals “Melech Yavan” — the Greek king. Yosef represents the opposite of the Greek spirit that sought to erase Jewish uniqueness.

• The Greeks declared: “Kitvu al karne ha’shor, ein lanu chelek b’Elokei Yisrael” — engraving on the ox’s horns that they have no share in Hashem. Yosef is symbolized by the ox, embodying purity, faith, and Jewish identity.

Yaakov Avinu’s Longing for Peace Amid Trials

At the start of the parsha, Yaakov Avinu wishes for tranquility after many hardships. However, Hashem answers by bringing Yosef’s disappearance — a painful test of faith and growth.Rashi explains life’s challenges as essential for spiritual growth — the tzadik’s reward isn’t just in the next world but also in overcoming present difficulties.

Sinat Chinam: The Root of Exile and Pain

The brothers’ jealousy (sinat chinam) sparked Yosef’s sale, leading to the exile in Egypt. This baseless hatred parallels causes of many tragedies, including the destruction of the Second Beit Hamikdash.Rashi notes jealousy arose from a dispute over two small measures related to Yosef’s special ketonet passim — showing how small sparks of hatred create great darkness.

Yosef’s Purity and Emunah in a Corrupt World

Despite being sold into a corrupt society, Yosef remained steadfast in mitzvot and emunah. The Torah emphasizes: “Va’yehi Hashem et Yosef” — Hashem was with Yosef throughout.Yosef’s resistance to Potiphar’s wife highlights his spiritual strength — visualizing his father’s face helped him overcome temptation.

Yehudah’s Descent and the Spark of Redemption

Yehudah, who initially suggested selling Yosef, later redeems himself through his union with Tamar, giving birth to Peretz, ancestor of Moshiach. This shows how even downfalls can lead to spiritual elevation and redemption.

Reuven’s One Word That Saved Yosef’s Life

Reuven’s plea, “Don’t harm him; just throw him in the pit,” saved Yosef’s life. The pit was empty — no Torah, no water — symbolizing spiritual danger. This teaches the power of one word or action to bring light into darkness.

Bringing Light Into Our World This Hanukkah

As Hanukkah approaches, we live in challenging times, but each of us can be a source of light and holiness. The Torah reminds us:“Me’at or mi’na’ah harbei choshech” — a little light can dispel much darkness.

May Hashem grant us strength to bring light into our homes and communities, shining until the great light of Hanukkah arrives.

Wishing you all a meaningful Shabbat and a joyful Hanukkah!With love from Yerushalayim.