Chanukah-Mikeitz- Rosh Chodesh-Deeper Light-Pray for Rain!

This Shabbat we read three Torah scrolls! In the first we read the weekly portion, Mikeitz, which continues the narrative of Yosef in Egypt. Since Rosh Chodesh (the first day of the Hebrew month) falls on this Shabbat, we read the portion for Rosh Chodesh in the second scroll. In the third scroll, we read the portion of Chanukah. Whenever holy occasions coincide, their combined sanctity gives us greater strength to go forward and illuminate the world. Similarly, the unique lessons of each occasion combine to form a greater lesson.

In this week’s portion Yosef was elevated to the position of viceroy of Egypt and his brothers sought to buy food from him. Rashi explains that (unaware that they were speaking to Yosef) they also sought to find their brother and redeem him. Yosef created a ruse by accusing Binyamin of being a thief. All of the brothers returned to Yosef with Binyamin rather than deserting him and Yehudah offered to be a slave in his stead. Seemingly, if they regretted selling Yosef into servitude before the ruse, why did Yosef seek more? Egypt was the beginning of exile. In exile, our commitment must be absolute, to the point of self sacrifice. Yosef wanted the brothers to express this responsibility for each other and unflinching strength before entering exile. This unity and responsibility is the key to the redemption. By expressing full self sacrifice, Yehudah merited that the Kings of the house of David, including Moshiach, descended from him.

?Although the menorah of Chanukah commemorates the miracle that occurred with the Menorah in the Temple, there are striking differences. The Menorah in the Temple had seven branches, not eight. The Menorah in the Temple was always lit during the day, whereas (excluding Friday) the Chanukah candles are always light after sunset. The Menorah in the Temple was lit inside, whereas the Chanukah candles shine into the street. The custom of lighting the Menorah as described in the Mishnah is to light the Menorah in the doorway, on the left side opposite the Mezuzah. The Menorah in the Temple was on the right side of the chamber.

?The differences all stem from one major difference. The Temple Menorah illuminated in the time of peace, whereas the Chanukah Menorah illuminates in the time of oppression. When the Greeks sought to defile the Sanctity of the Torah, this awakened a deeper service of Hashem amongst the Maccabees than before. The number seven represents nature, whereas the number eight represents transcending nature. Risking their lives against impossible odds required serving Hashem with the very depths of their souls. Hence the Menorah has eight candles.

?When we serve Hashem with our very essence we accomplish exceed our previous potential. Illuminating the dark and evil side of the world is beyond our standard abilities. This is why the Temple Menorah was lit during the day. The right side represents our divine nature and the left side represents our animal nature. This is why the Temple Menorah burned on the right side. The Maccabees attained a higher level: they illuminated the night and the left side. The street represents the profane world: the Maccabees light reached there as well. The light of the Menorah will illuminate the path to Moshiach, who has a special connection to the number eight.

?The New Moon, which ushers in the new month, reminds us that utter darkness is only a preface to the birth of new light. Yoseph’s servitude in an Egyptian jail was transformed in a short time to leadership of the mightiest nation of the world. His very name reminds us of Chanukah, because Yoseph means adding and the Menorah is the Mitzvah we increase every day. A deeper meaning of his name is transforming an astranged to a son of G-d, the very transformation of darkness to light embodied in Chanukah and Rosh Chodesh. May the triple light of Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh, and Chanukah usher in the great light of Moshiach now!

Shabbat Shalom, Chodesh Tov, and Chag Sameach!

This Saturday Night We Begin to Pray For Rain in the Ninth Blessing of the Amidah!!

?