Light of Hope

 Shabbat Shalom from Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

 

December 3-4, 2021 / 30 Kislev 5782

 

Shabbat Miketz - Hanukkah

 

Torah: Genesis 41:1-44:17; Numbers 28:9-15, 7:42-47

Haftarah: Zechariah 2:14-4:7 | Shabbat Rosh Chodesh

 

 

“Light of Hope”

 

Dear Friends,

 

The Hanukkah festival symbolizes hope and optimism. In this week’s Torah portion, we find Joseph in jail in Egypt with little chance of freedom.  Yet, his God-given ability to interpret dreams was his saving grace.  Released from prison, he rose to viceroy to Pharaoh and thus, in a position to help all Egypt and even his family through the famine. In the Hanukkah story we find a similar message.  The Jews of Israel were persecuted by the Seleucid regime in Damascus.  Yet, the Maccabees led our ancestors to see a better future by rising up to overthrow their oppressors and reestablish their independence.

 

In the light of candles let us see the fundamental Jewish message of positivity.  We are a people of life, dedicated to living each and every moment to the fullest.  We are a people of promise, dedicated to seeing the good in every experience.  We are a people of blessing, dedicated to discovering the holiness in all creation, taking nothing for granted. The Hanukkah candles are the light of hope.

 

Zay a mentsch – Be a good person.

 

Shabbat Shalom.

 

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow