Parshas Miketz 5765

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

Pharaoh dreamed two disturbing dreams that could not be interpreted satisfactorily by his advisors. In one dream he saw seven lean and sickly cows swallow seven healthy cows. In the next dream he saw seven measly looking 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 that he not be hurt. 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 in 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)

Rabbi Yaacov Haber observes that Chanukah falls at the darkest time of the year. The mitzvah of lighting the menorah specifically at this time of the year teaches us that the light of holiness often comes in times and from places when it is least expected. It may be the sincere prayer of a simple individual, or even that of a child, the small donation from the simple laborer, or the efforts of an inspired individual to observe as many of the details of a mitzvah as possible, given the opposition of family or friends. These may very well outweigh the value of the most righteous person's actions. The flickering lights in the blackness of night remind us never to discount any situation or individual, for one never knows whose actions are actually holding up the world.

Did You Know...

On Friday afternoon of Chanukah, one should light Chanukah candles after Plag Mincha, a little over an hour before sunset. They are lit before the Shabbos candles are lit, preferably not until right before the Shabbos candles are lit. They must remain lit until a half hour after nightfall, or approximately an hour and a half.

After Shabbos, there are different opinions whether one lights Chanukah candles before or after Havdalah. If one has no specific custom, he should recite Havdalah first, but Chanukah candles should be lit as soon as possible after Havdalah. In the shul, Chanukah candles are lit before Havdalah. Although the candles are lit in shul, one cannot fulfill his obligation with that kindling.