Parshat Vayeshev & Hanukkah — Lighting Up the Darkness

From Yerushalayim with love and prayer.

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 to every soul, and may we soon share only besurot tovot — good news — and yeshuot v’nechamot — salvations and comfort.

Connecting Parshat Vayeshev to Hanukkah

This week’s Parshat Vayeshev sets a powerful tone as we approach Hanukkah, beginning Wednesday evening, b’ezrat Hashem. As we prepare to kindle the lights, let’s reflect on the deeper messages woven between these two holy times.

Hanukkah: Lighting Up the Darkness — Physically and Spiritually

Hanukkah is about light overcoming darkness — both in the external world and in our personal spiritual journeys.

Even during times of yeridot (spiritual descent), Hashem invites us to strive for leshem aliyah — growth and elevation. These lights remind us that even one candle pierces the night.

The Power of One: Your Light Changes the World

Hanukkah teaches the transformative power of one person.

Each of us carries a spark of kedusha (holiness). When we recognize it and live with purpose, we can fill our homes, communities, and world with light.

Parshat Vayeshev: From Darkness to Redemption

Vayeshev contains the dramatic story of Yosef’s sale into slavery and Yehudah’s descent — yet it ultimately offers hope and growth.

Gematria and SymbolismChazal teach that Yosef’s name shares gematria with “Melech Yavan” — the Greek king. But Yosef represents the antithesis of Hellenism. The Greeks denied the divine; Yosef lived with unwavering emunah.

The ox, a symbol of Yosef, contrasts sharply with the Greek decree:“Engrave on the ox’s horns: we have no share in the G-d of Israel.”Yosef stands as a model of Jewish purity, faith, and identity.

Yaakov’s Longing and Hashem’s Higher Plan

Yaakov Avinu longed for peace. But Hashem brought him a deeper mission through Yosef’s disappearance.

Rashi explains that a tzadik’s challenges are not punishments but invitations to deeper spiritual growth. This is the journey of a soul striving upward.

Sinat Chinam: The Fire That Burns from Within

The brothers’ jealousy — sinat chinam — triggered exile. Rashi teaches that the spark came from the seemingly small matter of Yosef’s ketonet passim (striped robe).

This echoes the destruction of the Second Beit Hamikdash: baseless hatred can ignite great darkness.

Yosef’s Emunah in a Corrupt World

Yosef, thrown into a morally bankrupt society, stood strong in his emunah.When tempted by Potiphar’s wife, he resisted — inspired by the image of his father and his own spiritual clarity.

“Vayehi Hashem et Yosef” — Hashem was with Yosef.This teaches us the power of remembering who we are, even in the most difficult environments.

Yehudah’s Fall and Redemption

Yehudah, who suggested selling Yosef, later steps into leadership through his union with Tamar. From their line comes Peretz, the ancestor of Mashiach.

Even a descent can lead to greatness — if we return with responsibility and teshuva.

Reuven’s One Word That Changed Everything

Reuven’s plea, “Don’t harm him; throw him into the pit,” saved Yosef’s life.Though the pit was empty — “no water” — it symbolized spiritual danger.

Reuven teaches us the power of one word, one action, to protect and preserve light in the world.

Bringing Hanukkah’s Light Into Our Lives

As Hanukkah begins, we are reminded:

“Me’at or do’cheh harbei choshech” — A little light dispels much darkness.

Even in challenging times, each of us has the power to be a source of hope, holiness, and healing. Let the menorah's glow reflect the light in your soul — bringing warmth to your family, your friends, and your faith.

Final Blessing

May Hashem bless us all with strength, clarity, healing, and simcha.May this Hanukkah light our way toward personal growth and redemption.

Wishing you a meaningful Shabbat and a joyful Hanukkah.

With love from Yerushalayim.