In our Parasha Vayeshev, we read about Joseph, the favored child of his father Jacob. This fact arouses great jealousy amongst his brothers – similar to Jacob’s mother, Rebecca, who favored her own son Jacob over his brother Esau. This preferential love sets them apart and sets the stage for significant trials in their lives. History repeats itself. The father’s behavior is transmitted to his children.
Both Jacob and Joseph had significant dreams of prophecy: Jacob dreamt about angels ascending and descending a ladder connecting heaven and earth. Similarly, Joseph’s dreams not only foresee his future supremacy but also hint at his unique role as the sustainer of the people of Israel in times of famine and hardship.
Both Jacob and Joseph had struggles in foreign countries and faced extraordinary challenges. Joseph’s ability to maintain his religiosity and identity in Egypt, the country of the temptations, mirrors the struggle of the Jewish people during the time of Hanukkah.
Just like the Maccabees, Joseph was a solitary figure of righteousness in an immoral society. Yet, he stood firm, much like the oil that miraculously burned for eight days. Joseph, too, outshone and outlasted his environment, illustrating the same miracle: that spiritual purity can endure against any situation.
Moreover, we see in Joseph’s tale, the transformation of darkness into light. Joseph’s adverse experiences, from being sold into slavery to being unjustly imprisoned, culminated in him rising to the rank of viceroy in Egypt. This follows the Hanukkah theme of transforming times of darkness and adversity into opportunities for growth and illumination.
Joseph personifies the true message of Hanukkah: spiritual determination can defy overwhelming forces of darkness, much like the Hanukkah candles that shine in the cold winter night, the victory of Good over Evil.
May we draw from the lessons of Joseph and from Hanukkah that in a world permeated with darkness and confusion, we too can be beacons of light in our individual capacity and share our influence with the world.
Happy Hannukah!
Rabbi Refael Cohen