Parshas Miketz (Chanuka) 5767

Commentary by Rabbi Ephraim Nisenbaum

---

Thirteen years had passed since Joseph was abducted from his father’s home. During that time he had been sold into slavery, was falsely accused of attacking his master’s wife, and was then imprisoned. For all practical purposes Joseph seemed to have been forgotten. Yet, when the Divine Plan to fulfill Joseph’s dreams of leadership began to be realized, it happened swiftly. In a matter of moments a relatively unknown prisoner rose to become the viceroy over Egypt.

Pharaoh dreamed two disturbing dreams that his advisors could not interpret satisfactorily. In one dream he saw seven lean and sickly cows swallow seven healthy cows. In the next dream he saw seven measly sheaves of grain swallow seven plump sheaves. Pharaoh understood that there was a message alluded to in the dreams, but he could not understand what it was.

The wine butler suddenly recalled how Joseph had successfully interpreted his own dream in prison, and mentioned this to Pharaoh. Joseph was hurried out of prison, cleaned up and dressed properly, and brought before Pharaoh. Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dream to mean that G-d was going to send seven years of bounty to Egypt, followed by seven years of terrible famine. He also recommended that Pharaoh appoint somebody to prepare Egypt for the years of hunger.

Pharaoh was very impressed with Joseph’s wisdom, integrity and concern. He appointed Joseph as the viceroy of all Egypt. Joseph stored grain during the years of plenty to prepare the succeeding years. Pharaoh also gave Joseph Osnas, the daughter of his former master Potiphar, as a wife. She bore him two sons, Menashe and Ephraim.

Once the famine began, the whole country was at the mercy of Joseph. When the famine reached Canaan too, Jacob sent ten of his sons to Egypt to purchase food. Benjamin was not sent because Jacob was concerned lest he get hurt on the way. Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him.

Joseph decided to test his brothers to see if they truly regretted their earlier actions towards him before he would forgive them. He accused his brothers of spying and told them that they must bring their younger brother back with them to prove their innocence. Joseph then tried to re-create a situation by planting his silver goblet in Benjamin’s sack to see how his brothers would treat their youngest brother Benjamin when he would fall into their disfavor. If they would show him the proper compassion, and show concern for their elderly father, Joseph figured that he would reveal himself to them and forgive them for what they had done to him.

“...and He commanded us to kindle the lights of Chanukah” (Chanukah liturgy)

One Chanukah, Rabbi Abraham Twerski visited an elderly friend, Lazer, who was quite ill in the hospital. Lazer was depressed, having received a poor prognosis from his doctors.

Although the hospital forbade lighting Chanukah candles, Rabbi Twerski pleaded that Lazer be allowed to light them, and he assured that Lazer’s wife would remain with the candles as long as they burned. The hospital agreed.

Lazer was overjoyed. “Listen,” he said, “The oil in the Temple could only burn naturally for one day, yet it burned for eight days. The doctors say I have only one year to live. But that’s according to nature. G-d can turn one year into eight, or even more!”

The doctors could not understand how Lazer actually survived ten years, without any treatment! It seems radiation couldn’t help him, but the radiance of the Chanukah candles was even more powerful.

Did You Know...

Any remaining oil in the Chanukah menorah after Chanukah must be disposed of properly. Since the oil was designated for the mitzvah of Chanukah, it may not be used for anything else.

Preferably one should collect all the remaining oil and burn it together. If there is still some oil left, one should wrap it up and dispose of it in a respectful manner.

The oil should not be stored for the following year, as the Rabbis were concerned one might forget and use it sometime during the year. Any remaining oil in the bottle is not considered designated for Chanukah, and may be used for anything one wishes.