By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.
SAN DIEGO — If you’re not feeling the magic of “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” let’s chat. Picture this: back in 1963, Jewish composers Eddie Pola and George Wyle (aka Bernard Weissman) crafted the catchy lyrics and music for that very song. Now, if you’re scratching your head wondering what’s so wonderful about this time of year, you’re not alone! Let’s dive into it together and explore the different perspectives.
For Joseph, as we read in this week’s parasha, what may have looked like the worst time, would be quite a turnabout. We are reminded of this each year during Chanukah often through Mikeitz. The worst time we face, may just be the most wonderful time.
Joseph suffered with more hardships than most people we know. From intense sibling rivalry, being sold into slavery, to a wife who had repeatedly tried to seduce his master, to being sentenced to prison for libel for 12 years, to becoming the second most influential person next to King Pharoah, Joseph cleaved to his belief and trust in Hashem. He recognized later that there was indeed a purpose to his anguish. He saw that what was a wicked time forecasted a most wonderful time, directing him and his family to a better place.
In this sacred season, traditionally regarded as the most wonderful time of the year, we find ourselves immersed in the depths of darkness, symbolized by the shortest daylight. The heinous acts of Hamas, marked by detestable and heinous savagery and repulsive, vile, hatred and monstrous murders, cast an even deeper shadow over this period. However, during this darkness, we illuminate candles and recite Hallel—a hymn of praise—to transcend our shadows. This ritual serves as a poignant reminder and an expression of gratitude for Hashem’s guidance during a historical struggle against the Seleucid-Greek kingdom, which sought to impose idolatry upon us.
As we kindle these candles, we symbolically rekindle the flames of belief and faith that triumphed over adversity in the past. The illumination pierces the darkness, serving as a beacon of spiritual victory. Each flicker is a testament to our connection with the divine—a reminder that we are, indeed, His flame, dispelling darkness with the enduring light of faith.
The miracle of the oil is a foundation for why candle lighting, an act of “pirsuma d’nisa” (publicizing the miracle), is one of the two major commandments of Chanukah, with reciting Hallel as the other. Through lighting candles, we are able to display our hope, trust, and faith in Hashem and in His role in our lives. When they lit the menorah in the Temple, they did so from a belief, a hope, that the future is not preordained, that the future can truly be altered.
But sometimes it is difficult to celebrate with light, given the seemingly dark times that surround each of us. From hate, violence, rising antisemitism and bigotry, to declining faith and religious observance among many, “pirsuma d’nisa” may be a particular challenge. Perhaps during the inflamed antisemitism that we are asked to live through this year especially, we are challenged to understand true miracles. Perhaps what the real miracle is in our lives is our ability to understand and see what Hashem means by va y’hi ohr, “let there be light.” That even when it’s the worst, we can find the best. We can see during the darkness and fulfill our duty to bring light.
In the midst of life’s adversities, much like Joseph faced, it is natural for us to yearn for swift and complete solutions to our challenges. Yet, there are moments when the grand design of Hashem unfolds according to His divine plan, not necessarily aligning with our immediate desires. It is our noble endeavor to embrace and accept the unfolding of Hashem’s plan and His timetable for us, especially during times of adversity. We cannot dictate the timetable for the resolution of our challenges. While we diligently apply ourselves to address the obstacles in our path, we find reassurance in our bitachon, acknowledging that Hashem has already ordained the perfect timing for the conclusion of these testing periods. When that appointed moment arrives – when the dawn pierces the darkness and marks the end – we offer our prayers, aspiring that all our hopes and dreams come to fruition.
Rabbi Isaiah ben Avraham Ha-Levi Horowitz (1568-1630), known as the Shlah after the title of one of his major works Shnei Luchos Ha-Bris, was a renowned halachist, kabbalist and communal leader. He teaches us that the 36 candles we use for our “pirsuma d’nisra” during the eight nights of Chanukah correspond to the 36 hours that we communed with Hashem in the Garden of Eden. When we light the Chanukah lights, reserved for a holy purpose and no other, we have the opportunity to connect with creation, with all who came before us.
Joseph, guided by the divine presence of Hashem, spoke with profound wisdom and humility as he unraveled the mysteries of Pharaoh’s dreams. He acknowledged that the ability to interpret dreams was not a personal skill but a bestowed gift from the Almighty.
In each exchange with Pharaoh, Joseph emphasized the supreme dominance and authority of Hashem. His words echoed the spiritual truth that transcended his own abilities, attributing all insight to the divine source of wisdom.
Pharaoh, recognizing the extraordinary spirit of G-d within Joseph, marveled at the uniqueness of such a man. In awe, he turned to his courtiers and exclaimed, “Could we find another like him, a man in whom is the spirit of G-d?” In acknowledging Hashem’s revelation to Joseph, Pharaoh acknowledged the unparalleled discernment and wisdom bestowed upon him by the Divine Hand (Genesis 41:38-39), “Could we find another like him, a man in whom is the spirit of Hashem? So, Pharaoh said to Joseph, Since Hashem has made this known to you, there is none so discerning and wise as you.”
Joseph, in his wisdom, echoed a profound truth known to many enlightened healers – that the source of healing, of refuah, transcends human capability and emanates from Hashem. Embracing the divine presence in our lives can bestow upon us a deep sense of humility, an ethically sacred foundation, and a heartfelt gratitude for the abundant beauty that life graciously unveils. This universal lesson resonates at the very core of our beings, inviting us to recognize the spiritual dimensions that infuse meaning and purpose into our existence.
In the profound teachings of this sacred parasha, we are reminded that it is Hashem who graces us with our unique abilities and capacities. Through our unwavering bitachon, our faith, our emunah, we unlock the potential for a brighter tomorrow, recognizing that if we seek, we will find His divine order woven intricately into the fabric of our lives. With hope as our guiding light, we stand resilient against the darkness, knowing that shadows cannot overcome the brilliance of His light.
As we are gifted with the dawn of each new day, let’s be awakened by Hashem’s inspiration, blessed with the discernment to perceive the sacred threads in the tapestry of our existence, and aspire to attain even the most humble share of His divine wisdom. In the continuous unfolding of our life’s most precious moments, may our spirits soar with genuine gratitude, and may we be guided by the higher purpose that brings meaning and beauty to our lives.
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Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D., prepares a weekly D’var Torah for Young Israel of San Diego, where he and his family are members. They are also active members of Congregation Adat Yeshurun. He may be contacted via michael.mantell@sdjewishworld.com
Beautiful, inspiring words much valued in this time of loss and anger.