This week we not only study the story of Joseph in Egypt but we are also reminded of the story of Chanukah which we are in the middle of celebrating.
While Joseph is a prisoner in Egypt he hears of the story of Pharaoh's dream. This Pharoah is a curious Pharoah and wants to know the meaning of a particularly puzzling dream. In this dream, 7 healthy cows appear followed by 7 gaunt cows. The gaunt cows go on to eat the healthy ones. In the second part of the dream 7 ears of lush and healthy grain appear followed by 7 ears of shriveled grain. The healthy grains are eaten by the shriveled grain. None of Pharaoh's advisors are able to interpret this dream until Joseph is brought to him. Joseph tells him that the appearance in the dream of 7 healthy cows followed by 7 gaunt cows and then the appearance of 7 healthy ears of grain followed by 7 ears of unhealthy grain has great meaning. It signifies that there will be 7 years of plenty with more than enough for the people to eat. The second set of 7 signifies that for the next 7 years there will be nothing to harvest so man and beasts will go hungry and die.
This greatly disturbed Pharoah so he asked Joseph what he should do. Joseph advised him to find a man of “wisdom and discernment” who can oversee all of the land and organize it so that a portion will be reserved for the years in which there are no harvests enabling all in the land to survive through the sparse years. Pharoah likes this plan and knows what he must do. As we know, Pharaoh appoints Joseph as his overseer making him 2nd only to himself in power. And so this is how Joseph goes from impoverishment to great wealth.
Chanukah is the story of Judas Maccabee and his army leading their fellow Israelites in a revolt against the army of the repressive Greek king, Antiochus IV in the year 164 BCE. When the Jews win, Judas orders the (Second) Temple’s ark to be consecrated so that the Temple could be rededicated. This dedication, or Chanukah, took place on the 25th of Kislev. There was only oil for one night but the oil lasted for eight nights during which time more consecrated oil could be made. We celebrate this occurrence by lighting the menorah for 8 nights, by eating foods fried in oil such as latkes and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), by playing dreidel, and by exchanging small gifts with our families.
So, what, you might ask, is the connection between Miketz and Chanukah? Miketz is read from the Torah on the Shabbat when Chanukah occurs. Joseph teaches us humility when Pharoah is greatly relieved by his advice. Instead of accepting Pharaoh's high praise Joseph tells Pharaoh that his understanding of Pharaoh's dream and his subsequent plan to save Egypt from devastation was not his idea but was a message from God telling Pharaoh how he could save his people. So he puts his faith in Joseph’s interpretation, message, and plan. Perseverance in the efforts to save produce in times of plenty pays off when the crops fail. How many of us have planned and saved so we can renovate our home or provide a college education for our children or live comfortably in our retirement? Chanukah also reminds us to have faith. Prior to the Maccabees’ success there were several revolts that the Israelites fought against the Greeks who wanted to wipe out Judaism and impose their belief system of praying to many gods.
We, as Jews, are proud of our religion and of our beliefs. While we don’t impose them on others we are steadfast in keeping them ourselves. Rabbi Nelly Altenburger suggests that Joseph is the symbol of hope in dark times. On Chanukah we light candles in the darkest time of the year. This light can be compared to the light of our souls which helps us find our way even in the darkest of times. And with collective hope who knows what we can accomplish!
May we each find the light in our souls and bring collective hope to our community.
Shabbat Shalom! Chag Chanukah!
Sue Gardner
CANDLE LIGHTING Friday, December 3rd at 4:09 PM
HAVDALAH Saturday, December 4th at 5:12 PM
CLICK HERE to check for upcoming events and services.
Friday, Sip and Schmooze at 6:30 PM Friday, Kabbalat Service at 7:00 PM Saturday, Derash at 9:00 AM Shabbat Service at 9:45 AM - Bar Mitzvah - Ian Yegidis
CELEBRATIONS AND GRATITUDE Mazal Tov to Wendy, Brian, Hayley, and Ashley on Ian becoming a Bar Mitzvah.
Thank you to Rabbi Bernstein, Ellen Agulnick, Scott Brecher and our amazing teachers and parents for making the Chanukah Celebration and the car parade a success. In addition we would like to thank:
The 7th Precinct and the Bellmore Fire Department for their participation in our car parade.
Bagel Plaza, Trader Joe's and the Lighthouse Diner for contributing the latkes and snacks.
We want to wish Marc Miller, Rose Levy, Steve Baron and Joan Gusoff a Happy Birthday!
REFUAH SHELEIMAH (A SPEEDY RECOVERY)
As a community, we pray for those in need of healing. May they be granted a Refuah Sheleimah - a complete and speedy recovery.
Gail Kanner Wallace Leifer Warren Siegel Edward Steinman
If there is someone's name that you wish to add or we need to remove, please let us know.
If you wish to request a minyan, you may contact the office or CLICK HERE to submit and let us know if you would like a Zoom or In-Person service.
Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism