Eighty-one years ago, a leader of a democratic nation, while under attack from a strong fascist country bent on conquering his small nation, risked his life to travel to Washington D.C. in order to speak before a joint session of Congress. Winston Churchill arrived in Washington D.C. on December 26, 1941, and stated his case that while the English had courage, will, and determination to fight but they needed weapons and financial support to withstand the Nazi onslaught. Now eighty-one years later, on the first day of winter, the day with the least amount of light, during Chanukkah, The Festival of Lights, another leader from a democratic country fighting for its very life against a larger country bent on its destruction, has arrived in Washington D.C. to speak before a joint session of Congress. Vladimir Zelenskyy spoke of his nation’s indomitable spirit, will and determination. He reminded all of North America, that his nation is a beacon of light against the dark forces of fascism, terrorism, and authoritarianism of a large nation bent on destroying his nation. While his nation’s energy infrastructure continues to be bombed by Russia, President Zelenskyy reminded us that the candle of his faith still requires the help of more weapons and financial support in order to insure that the light of his nation continues to burn brightly and defeat Russia.
This Shabbat, we read from Parsha Mikeitz. This Parsha is always read during Chanukah. While the Parsha has no explicit relationship to Chanukah, also known as Chag Urim “The Festival of Lights”; the implicit relationship is quite powerful. The Parsha begins with Yosef hurriedly brought from the dungeon to meet Pharaoh after Pharaoh is troubled by two seemingly different dreams. Yosef, he has been told, is able to interpret dreams. So Yosef begins to interpret but not before he credits his gift as coming from Hashem. Yosef not only interprets the dreams he offers solutions for Pharaoh. As a result, Pharaoh appoints Yosef as Viceroy, the second most powerful man in Egypt and perhaps the Second most powerful man in the world. While managing an economic program to ensure Egypt’s survival during the seven years of famine as foretold in Pharaoh’s dream, Yosef made sure to build up storehouses with grain. However, the famine affected the whole region including Canaan and Yosef’s father, Jacob and Yosef’s brothers. Eventually, Yosef’s brothers head down to Egypt in order to buy food. Joseph recognizes them, but they do not recognize him. Wanting to see his youngest brother Benjamin and his father Yaakov, Joseph arranges for the brothers to return home. One brother must remain in Egypt. Then, in order to redeem their brother, all the brothers including Benjamin must return to Egypt. After that, Joseph frames Benjamin, keeping him in Egypt. The Parsha concludes with the brothers returning to their father and conveying what happened to Benjamin.
We can understand the concept of darkness both figuratively and literally; physically, intellectually, or even spiritually. Of course, we can understand the concept of light in the same way. VaYehi VaBoker VaTipaem Rucho – and it was morning; His spirit was agitated, VaYishlach VaYikra et Kol Chartumei Mitzrayim V’Et Kol Chochmeha – so he sent and summoned all the magicians of Egypt and all its wise men (Gen. 41:8). Pharaoh had the dream about the seven cows and the seven ears of corn. Why do we need to know that it was the morning after his dream? How bad could the dreams be? Based on the Torah, Pharaoh slept through the night. Granted he didn’t sleep well. After all, we are told that in the morning, his spirit was agitated. In a sense, his spirit was still “in the dark” even though the morning light was upon him. He brings Yosef out of the dungeon, a place of physical darkness. However, Yosef, because of his relationship with Hashem, is the embodiment of light. Pharaoh asks the Egyptian Magicians and the Egyptian wise men, symbols of intellectual and spiritual light, to interpret the dream; to cast light upon Pharaoh’s troubled/darkened spirit. They are unable to bring light or offer a solution. However, Yosef, the embodiment of Hashem’s light, is capable of casting light upon Pharaoh’s darkness. To Pharaoh’s credit; his fear is not directed at Yosef. Instead, Pharaoh’s fear is directed at the ramifications of famine upon Egypt and how a famine would affect his authority. Even though Yosef conceals his identity from his brothers, he remains in the darkness so to speak while his brothers are unable to conceal their identity from him. Yosef is the embodiment of spiritual and physical light as he always knows what is happening and what will happen. Despite Yosef being in a pit, and in a dungeon, Yosef is light. He is able to transmit his light, his knowledge, and his spiritual strength to those around him without being diminished; much like a candle transmits a flame to another candle.
After listening to the inspired words of President Zelenskyy, and re-reading the words of Winston Churchill, one couldn’t help but be aware of each leader speedily leaving the darkness of their respective battlefields just as Yosef left the darkness of his prison. In a sense, each shared a vision. Yosef explained and shared with Pharaoh, the meaning of Pharaoh’s vision. Churchill shared his vision about the requirements for fighting against the darkness of a tyrannical authoritarian force from the east. Zelenskyy shared his vision about the requirement for fighting against the darkness of a tyrannical authoritarian force from the east. Indeed, during the darkest times, there are moments when we see individuals provide a source of light for the rest of the world.
Rav Yitz
