Mikketz- Shabbat Hanukah

Vaya’an Yosef et Par’o leimor biladai Ehlohim ya’aneh…

And Joseph answered Pharaoh, “it is not in me; God will answer…”

(Breishit 31:16)

Mikketz is a perfect parasha for Shabbat Hanukah. Joseph rises from the depth of oppression, imprisoned unfairly to practically rule Egypt. His dreams finally come true as his brothers bow before him. However, even knowing the future is not a guarantee of success. I am sure that with his grandiose dreams and dreams of grandeur Joseph never envisioned the lows to which he would sink before his dreams came true. Dream prophecy is always a bit fuzzy. It is never one hundred percent. Not all Joseph’s brothers bow at once. His mother is dead, and his father does not bow before him.

It’s not the dream that makes the future come true. It is the faith. In the humbling of Joseph, he realizes that it’s not he who is important. It is God’s plan and his faith in God that counts in the unfolding of the future. In parashat Vayeshev, Joseph tells the butler and the baker, “Halo l’Ehlohim pitronim.” “Do not interpretations belong to God?” Even before Pharaoh Joseph maintains his humility and faith. “Biladai Ehlohim ya’aneh et shalom Pharaoh.” “It is not in me; God will answer for the peace of Pharaoh.”

The story of the Maccabees is not so different. Mattisyahu does not cry out, “Whoever is against the Greeks join me.” No, his rallying cry is “Whoever is for God, follow me!” The Maccabee battle cry was not a merely a yell, to frighten with noise and fierceness. It was meant to strike fear into their enemies with the power of God “Mi chamocha ba’eilim A-donai!” “Who is like YOU among the mighty Lord!” The Maccabees original struggle is not about power. It is about faith. It is about being willing to place our lives in the hands of God.

Today, outside the Knesset building is a replica of the ancient menorah. It stands as a reminder to all those who enter the seat of Israeli government why we are here on earth. It is a reminder to be, even when all odds appear against us, or hagoyim, a light among the nations. Our own hanukiyot should shine from our windows as this light, to remind us, and to bring light to others.

Hanukah is a time of rededication. As the Maccabees rededicated the Temple, so to should we make efforts to rededicate our lives, our hearts and minds to our community, our Land, and our God.