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SEE PAGE 3 FOR Mr Andrew Cohen President, Federation of Synagogues The author can be contacted at [email protected] Parshah How is it conceivable that Yaakov and his family didn’t realise that it was their Yosef who was elevated to become the Viceroy of all the land of Mitzrayim?

וַּיִקְרָא יֹוסֵ ףאֶת-ׁשֵ םהַּבְ כֹור,מְ נַ ּשֶׁ ה: ּכִי-נַ ּשַׁ ינִ אֱֹלהִ ים ,he’s a Naar, he’s an Ivri ְו ׁשָ ם ּתָאִ נ ּו נַ עַ ר - עִ בְ רִ י, עֶ בֶ ד The context can be teased out as the story אֶ ת-ּכָל-עֲמָ לִי, וְאֵ תּכָל-ּבֵית אָבִ י. .unfolds of the dramatic events. The status he’s an Eved4 and fame of Yaakov Avinu’s family had spread This wretched young Ivri slave is now to be And Yosef called the name of the first- throughout the region. They were known as appointed ruler of Mitzrayim, second only to the born Menashe: ‘for Hashem has made me Ivrim, the characteristic description of the king with a mandate to revolutionise produce forget all my toil, and all my father’s house. descendants of Avraham . Rashi1 gives two production and the tax systems. This is surely This choice of name for his firstborn is definitions of the word Ivri: they were m’ever the most sensational and significant story in perplexing. Obviously, Yosef did not forget his ha’nahar from over the river, the other side of the Mitzrayim. News would have spread like wild home; his father’s image was his conscience. River Euphrates and secondly, m’benei Ever from fire – the story of the Ivri who is now ruler of It can’t be that he was grateful that Hashem the children of Ever. What he illuminates is that helped him to overcome the paralysing grief and there was exclusively only one family fulfilling Mitzrayim. How could it possibly be that Yaakov and his family would not have heard of this homesickness so that they wouldn’t interfere both qualifications, this being Avraham ’s family, with his ability to live a normal life, because astounding story? There’s only one family of the only descendant of Ever who crossed the that‘s not a reason to give that name to a son: Ivrim in the world and of that family, there is only Euphrates. ‘Thank Hashem have got over my grief and one missing person – Yosef. This family must already have been longing to be reunited with my father’. considered so important that the land where But herein is the major problem. Indeed, Yosef Hatzadik, imbued with greatness from they were living was by now known as their Pharaoh recognised the impossibility to rule Yaakov’s house, if he didn’t have the tremendous land. Rav Shimshon Raphael Hirsch in his against the protocols of Egypt - as Rashi brings power, the indomitable inner strength to put classic commentary asserts the significance, from the Midrash5 - and openly appoint an Eved, aside his past, he could never have been able to that at that time when they hardly consisted of noch an Ivri, to this lofty post. lead the house of Pharaoh, which was opposed in every way to his father’s house. It was with seventy persons they were so characteristically So Pharaoh sits down with his spin doctors prominent that they had a special national name Hashem’s help that he was able to forget, in a and devises a strategy to hide the identity of that Yosef, already earlier, could call the land sense, his past, that he was able to become the Yosef. First he gives him a new name. No more of Canaan - Eretz ho’Ivrim2. Further, the extent de facto ruler of Mitzrayim, assume his new role a name which , צָ פְ נַ ת ּפַ עְ נֵ חַ Yosef, now it’s to be their influence and recognition had spread is and ascend to this elevated position. some Meforshim6 explain comes from the word demonstrated later in the sedra when Yosef Pharaoh’s creative game plan succeeded. The Tzofun - hidden. Very appropriate. true identity of this Ivri was suppressed, the ּכִ י ֹלא יּוכְ לּון .sat down to eat with his brothers3 Second, he reasoned that the only people news never emerged, and Yosef saved Egypt. At הַ ּמִ צְ רִ י ם לֶ אֱ כֹ ל אֶ ת- הָ עִ בְ רִ י ם לֶ חֶ ם, ּכִ י-תֹועֵבָ ה הִ ו א ְ ל מִ צְ רָ ִי ם The pasuk quotes the then laws of Mitzraim outside his inner circle who knew Yosef and his this basic level, without nevuoh, Yaakov could stating that it was a Toeivoh, an abomination, origins were Potifar and his family. According never have suspected the Viceroy of Mitzrayim .to ensure their silence, he was his long lost beloved son , משך חכמהfor Mitzrayim to eat with Ivrim. So it’s evidently to the 7 מקץ מא-יב .4 מקץ מג-לב .3 וישב מ-טו .2 וישב לט-יד .clear, there was only one family called Ivrim. arranged the marriage of their daughter to Yosef: 1 מקץ מא-מה .They of course, were 5. As above 6. S R Hirsch 7 . ּי וַ ִ ּתֶ ן-לֹו אֶ ת- אָ סְ ַ נ ת ּבַ ת-ּפֹוטִ י פֶ רַ ע And now let’s set the scene. The palace is in turmoil. The king can’t sleep, he can’t eat he’s in complicit in the deception, being delighted that a rage. His recurring dream is driving him nuts, their daughter was now married to the ruler of Please urgently Daven For שלמה טבלי בן שרה נ''י insane. He knows it has deep meanings; he can’t Mitzrayim. They certainly wouldn’t be divulging שירה תמר בת שושנה דבורה תחי' .get respite. his genuine ancestry אריאל יהודה בן יהודית נ"י Out of the dungeons a freshly laundered slave The final piece of the jigsaw was Yosef חיה רוחמה בת אטא תחי'is hauled before him. himself. He had to go along with the plan and הרב יונתן יוסף בן טעמא שליט"א How does the Sar Hamashkim define him hide his true identity. On the outside he took to Pharaoh? The pasuk relates he remorsefully on the new persona, but inside he remained as לרפואה שלימה בתוך שאר חולי ישראל ?gives a deprecating and disparaging description: before. How is this evident Rabbi Moshe 2 Brandeis The author can be contacted at [email protected]

SEDRA Changing the Parshah SUMMARY world one Thank you to Chabad.org (potential) step at a time osef’s imprisonment finally ends when Pharaoh dreams of seven osef had been languishing for years only is the result of keeping him alive rewarded, but Yfat cows that are swallowed up behind bars in an Egyptian dungeon for a also the joy, effort and enthusiasm which he infused by seven lean cows, and of seven fat crime he had not committed. The charges into the mitzvah added into the calculation. ears of grain swallowed by seven lean had been grave, an attempt at sinning He takes this idea even further, connecting our with the wife of his former master, Potiphar. No ears. Yosef interprets the dreams to Y midrash to the Gemara in Kiddushin (39b) which one in the decadent Egyptian society into which he mean that seven years of plenty will be says “one who sits and does not perform a sin had been sold, had believed this lone Hebrew slave followed by seven years of hunger, and [with which he was confronted] is given a reward far away from his righteous family back in Canaan. advises Pharaoh to store grain during equivalent to [that received by] one who performs Nevertheless the Torah testifies for all generations a mitzvah”. Thus when one decides not to sin and the plentiful years. Pharaoh appoints that he had passed this most difficult test with flying overcomes his temptation, he is rewarded for each Yosef governor of Egypt. Yosef marries colours. Suddenly after all the years of suffering he component sinful action which he might have Osnas daughter of Potiphar, and they successfully interprets Pharaoh’s dreams and the committed yet never actually confronted him. have two sons, Menashe and Ephraim. Torah depicts vividly the steps of Yosef’s transition Rabbi Zev Leff likens reward and punishment to from slave to second in command to Pharaoh. Famine spreads throughout the region, one who purchases a new car and as he is driving and food can be obtained only in The Medrash Rabba (90:3) highlights how each off with his prized possession, the car salesman Egypt. Ten of Yosef’s brothers come to stage was a reward for the part of the body which runs after him and thrusts a book into his hand. had not sinned and instead had showcased Yosef Egypt to purchase grain; the youngest, The salesman proceeds to explain the contents Hatzadik’s immense self-control: Binyamin, stays home, for Yaakov fears of the driver’s handbook, which petrol to use, the for his safety. Yosef recognizes his The mouth which did not sin was rewarded “and correct tyre pressure etc. The buyer looks at him by your command (literally mouth) shall all my incredulously and says “after spending all this brothers, but they do not recognize people equip themselves”. money on my car you have the audacity to tell me him; he accuses them of being spies, how I should treat it! It is mine and I will do with insists that they bring Binyamin to prove The hand which did not touch her, was rewarded, “And Pharaoh removed his ring from his hand and it as I wish!” Similarly Hashem gives us our body that they are who they say they are, placed it on Yosef’s hand”. and soul together with the Torah to study and and imprisons Shimon as a hostage. keep, to ensure our wellbeing. We are not to look The body which did not touch her was rewarded; Later, they discover that the money at punishments as a vindictive act of a vengeful “and he robed him in vestments of fine linen”. they paid for their provisions has been G-d, rather as the natural outcome of mistreating mysteriously returned to them. The neck which would not bend to commit a sin; the ‘vehicle’ entrusted to us at birth. Similarly “and he placed the golden chain on his neck”. rewards are not mere treats for good behaviour; the Yaakov agrees to send Binyamin only The feet which refused to follow her were positive effect of looking after one’s soul is that one after Yehudah assumes personal and rewarded; “And he had him ride (standing) in the is able to continue running the ‘car’. Yosef Hatzadik eternal responsibility for him. This time chariot next to his”. understood that he was in this world to carry out Yosef receives them kindly, releases The mind which did not think to sin (which is the divine mission of bestowing good to others. As Shimon, and invites them to an eventful the height of foolishness) was rewarded; “and they a consequence of guarding himself from evil his dinner at his home. But then he plants called before him “Avrech!”” (‘Av’ – father in wisdom ‘hands’ were gifted a signet ring with which he could his silver goblet, purportedly imbued even though he is ‘rach’ – tender in years). continue to do good deeds by saving the Egypt and with magic powers, in Binyomin’s sack. ultimately his family from certain death by famine. The Yefeh Toar (R’ Shmuel Yafeh Ashkenazi zt”l His mouth which until now had been limited in its When the brothers set out for home (1525-1595) rabbi of the Ashkenazi community in the next morning, they are pursued, authority while in jail would be able to orchestrate Constantinople,Turkey) points out that the medrash the great seven year preparation that was required searched, and arrested when the goblet is teaching a fundamental lesson regarding before the ensuing famine. is discovered. Yosef offers to set them Hashem’s system of reward and punishment. Not free and retain only Binyamin as his only does Hashem reward a person for having So the next time you are presented with one of life’s challenges, consider the tremendous slave. completed the actual mitzvah, but also for all the components which went into its performance. For empowering opportunity which has come your way; example if one gives tzedakah to a poor person, not making the world a better place.

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1. Almost every year the Shabbos of Chanuka is Parshas Mikeitz. Are there connections between the two? QUIZ ?TIME ? livingwithmitzvos.com Rabbi 3 Yaakov Bennett Hasmonean High School The author can be contacted at [email protected] But how did they light Chanukah the Menorah? The Midrash Toras Cohanim on Parshas Tzav tell us that the Menorah in the Beis Hamikdash was lit from the fire burning on the mizbeach Ha’chitzon. This halacha is also mentioned in Yuma 45b and the Rambam in Hilchos Temidim and Musafin 3:13.

This halacha raises a serious problem in Menorah which had either been stolen or left the Gemara’s explanation of the Chanukah impure by the Greeks, instead using a newly story. Namely, how did the Macabees light crafted wooden Menorah, again suggesting the Menorah on the night of the 25th of Kislev this was not the actual Mitzvah, just a if they had no mizbeach to light it from? The remembrance to it. This lighting according earliest time they could have re-consecrated to the Bircas Shimon while not fulfilling the the mizbeach was the morning of the 25th as Mitzvah of lighting the Menorah did still fulfil we rule the mizbeach can only be consecrated the idea of bringing light to the Sanctuary of with the morning offering, so how did they the Beis HaMikdash. solution to fulfil or at least mimic the Mitzvah of light the Menorah without the mizbeach on the Another suggested answer to our question lighting the Menorah. This brings to mind the night of the 25th? is offered by the Midrash Moshe, who writes comment of the Pnei Yehoshua who asks that A simple answer to this problem suggested that although there was no mizbeach in the seemingly the entire neis of the Menorah was by Rav Gedaliah Schorr zt’’l is the halacha courtyard, the courtyard still retained its unnecessary because the entire congregation of lighting the Menorah from the fire on the intrinsic Kedusha. That being the case the were rendered spiritually impure as a result mizbeach is not essential to the Mitzvah, in the Macabees may have lit a fire in the place of of the battles with the Assyrian Greeks and event of not having the fire the Menorah can the mizbeach and from that fire they lit the in such a scenario you are allowed to light be lit from another source. Menorah fulfilling the abovehalacha. This may the Menorah in a state of impurity. The Pnei Yehoshua famously answers that the neis was However Sefer Siach Chochma brings in explain the phrase in Al Hanisim, “Hadliku a result of the Bnei Yisrael yearning to do the the name of Rav Elyashiv zt’’l that the din of Neiros B’chatzros Kodshecha” the fire lit in the Mitzvah in its best possible form so Hashem lighting from the mizbeach is an essential part courtyard had the Kedusha of the mizbeach in created the possibility that they could do the of the Mitzvah, bringing back our question. Rav order to light the Menorah! According to this Mitzvah in this way! Let us all take inspiration Elyashiv offers a new somewhat revolutionary approach the lighting was indeed one which from this Chanukah and seek to do our own approach, the Maccabees did not fulfil the fulfilled the Mitzvah of lighting the Menorah. Mitzvos in the meaningful way possible. Mitzvah of lighting the Menorah! Their action According to either approach of the Siach were a zecher a mimicking of the actual Choochma or of the Midrash Moshe we see Mitzvah, he notes that they did not use the real that the Bnei Yisrael’s desire to find a creative

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2. Pharaoh is not satisfied with his advisors’ interpretations of his dreams and then accepts Yosef’s. How did he know that Yosef’s interpretation was the true one? QUIZ ?TIME ? livingwithmitzvos.com This column is based on our online guides Questions from which can be found at 4 www.federation.org.uk/fedtech For specific shailos, send an SMS message to ShailaText on 07403 939 613. The Federation’s recently launched Questions can also be directed technology department to [email protected].

Is your oven Shabbos compliant? (Part 2) The objective of this column is to raise while? Does it need to be deactivated by house and running only the oven. Look awareness of the issues involved in using an pressing a button? Does the door opening at your electric meter as the oven door is oven on Shabbos. Last week, we concluded that deactivate the alarm? opened and closed; if the meter indicates that all ovens need to be thoroughly investigated the power flow stops or starts immediately before they are used for heating foods on • Once the timer has finished, open the door – as the door is opened/closed, then the oven Shabbos, and that this is the case even if the does the door opening trigger the operation appliance boasts a ‘Sabbath mode’. This week of a light? Does it make changes to the function is problematic. we will clarify the circumstances under which display screen? Does it start/stops the fan? • As you open the door, does the appliance models which do not carry a ‘Sabbath mode’ • If the door opening does trigger some of the respond by making changes to a display can be used on Shabbos. above reactions, is it possible to neutralise screen, starting or stopping a fan or these problems by taping down a small door operating the lights? If the appliance fails Our family keeps food warm switch (look carefully and you may find it)? on any of these points, it cannot be used for the shabbos meal in an Can the door switch be taped down? on Shabbos, unless the door switches have oven, the oven is set on a been deactivated. timer – why do we need a I have checked my oven • On Shabbos, when the indicator light sabbath mode? glows to show that the element is active and the timer setting is and heating, the door may be opened. Appliance design has changed significantly problematic as it needs to in recent years, presenting new challenges be deactivated by pressing to shemiras Shabbos. In modern appliances, a button - can the oven Can the appliance be used on opening the door triggers a few reactions, yom tov? including switching on and off the lights and fan door be opened when the Many householders who can manage and in many cases changes are made directly appliance is running? without the use of their ovens on Shabbos, to the heating element. In these appliances, a In the previous section, we gave instruction substituting it instead for a blech or hotplate, competent Sabbath mode is necessary to allow for the use of an oven through setting a find that it is Yom Tov when an oven is for their Shabbos use. programmable a timer to shut off all appliance activity. Where this is not possible we need to really needed. However, in many cases, the Older models were certainly simpler; in most consider whether the door can be opened to appliances which do not feature ‘Sabbath mode’ ovens, the light bulb could be removed or was retrieve the food when the appliance is running. will automatically cut off after running for a only lit when the oven was heating. Generally, prolonged period of time. This safety feature Opening the door when the appliance a timer function was available, which, once becomes an imposition on Yom Tov. Even if is running is generally problematic as the reaching the end of the desired cooking period, your appliance can run uninterrupted for the appliance will trigger the heating element would totally shut off all appliance function – necessary number of hours, you need to run doors could be opened and food removed with sooner than it otherwise would have done. the above-mentioned checks to ensure that no halachic concern. If your oven is of the more To use the appliance can one would need to the appliance is not reacting directly to door traditional type, you may well be able to use it. ensure to open the door only when the element openings. Check that lights, fan and heating Read the next question for instructions on how is already running. This will be possible if the element are not activated or deactivated when to check if your oven is permitted for use. appliance has an ‘element on’ indicator light. To use the appliance in this way, you will also the door is opened and closed. need to check that the door opening will not One area where the laws of Yom Tov allow My oven does not carry a trigger any electronic activity. for slight leniency is where the appliance reacts ‘sabbath mode’, can it be The appliance should be checked in the indirectly to the door opening. Although on used on shabbos? following way: Shabbos, opening the door when the appliance is running is possible only if an indicator light The simplest way to use an oven is to set • The appliance should have a light which shows that the element is already functioning, the appliance to run on a timer, and to remove glows to indicate that the heating element is on Yom Tov the door may be opened even if all food only once the cooking program has working. The oven should be set to run - does opening the door may cause the element to finished. To use the appliance in this way, you a light show? Does it turn off periodically? cycle sooner. need to check that the door opening will not • Does the appliance turn the element off To summarise, if the appliance does not trigger any electronic activity; you can check when the door is opened? Open the door react directly to door openings, the door may the appliance in the following way: and watch the red light – if it ceases to • Set the timer to run for a short period of time show immediately as you open the door, the be opened on Yom Tov even when the oven and watch as the cooking program comes to element may turned off and the appliance is heating. an end cannot be used. In next week’s column: a look at Sabbath • When the cooking program comes to an end, • A further advisable way to test this is by mode ovens produced by NEFF Bosch and does the alarm deactivate itself after a short turning off all other power devices in the Siemens.

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www.federation.org.uk/fed-tech/ [email protected] Rabbi Chaim 5 Leizorek The Jerusalem Kolel The author can be contacted at [email protected] Let Go Parshah Rabbi Simcha Bunim of P’shischa use to tell his disciples, that everyone must have two pockets, each containing a slip of paper. On one, it should be written: ‘I am but dust and ashes’, and on the other: ‘The world was created for me’. From time to time we must reach into one pocket, or the other. The secret of living comes from knowing when to reach into each. When you are feeling a bit too cocky, full of yourself and are ‘on an ego trip’, take out the paper that says, ‘I am but dust and ashes’. When you are feeling like a good-for-nothing, valueless, undignified, and worthless, take out the paper that says, ‘The world was created for me’.

In this week’s parsha, we find a very especially if you are coming straight out of jail. This is the key in order to fully comprehend interesting passage. Pharaoh has two dreams Where did Yosef gather the courage to do so? Yosef’s behaviour. Before Yosef was sent to jail, that irritate him a lot. He becomes very What gave him the strength? he held a very prestigious position, he was in anxious and apprehensive, and he desperately There is a lot of confusion when it comes charge of Pharaoh’s estate. Just then, he was and a sent to prison. While serving his time, he (בעל גאוה) seeks for someone to interpret his dreams. His down to defining a big shot advisors attempt providing him with meaning, We associate the cocky came to the realization that a human being is .(ענו) humble individual but to no avail. He does not buy it. Suddenly, individual as the leader, celebrity, person only that- a human being-and there is a limit to one of Pharaoh’s ministers remembers that of influence, successful, has-it and know-it- how much one can do and/or accomplish on Yosef was a professional-dream-interpreter. In all; and the humble individual as the loner, his own. You may be smart, wealthy, powerful, last week’s Torah portion, Yosef was thrown in stepped-on, made fun of, submissive, timorous, influential, la crème de la crème, but bottom jail because he was falsely accused of having unambitious and trampled by everybody line, Hashem is in control. This awareness behaved immorally. The minister suggests that (these definitions I got from surveying people). gave him the courage and bravery to do what Yosef may be the key for decoding Pharaoh’s Yet the truth could not be further away from he did. dreams. Yosef is taken out of jail, and ‘saves this. It is interesting to see what the Torah has Yosef realized that he was only human, but the day’. to say on the matter. if you trust Hashem, you can do anything. He Yosef successfully interprets Pharaoh’s Who was the greatest Jewish leader ever? knew that although he was just a servant, an dreams; Egypt will go through a period of Moshe Rabbeinu. And who was the humblest inmate, a ‘nobody’, nevertheless, Hashem is seven years of abundance and economic Jew that ever existed? Moshe Rabbeinu! This the one running the show. Yosef reasoned, if success, and then, a period of seven years is quite perplexing. Moshe was the greatest Hashem placed me, in this specific scenario, at of famine will follow suit. Yosef does not and the humblest at the same time, how could this specific moment, is because He believes only clarify the dreams, but he also provides in me and He knows that I can do it. Yes, Pharaoh with a solid plan on how to prepare for that be? giving unsolicited guidance to Pharaoh may the famine. Pharaoh is profoundly impressed Rav Noach Weinberg zt’’l use to say: “If be audacious, bold and daring, but if Hashem and proclaims “…is there anyone else who has you trust/believe in Hashem, you can do is backing me up, what is stopping me from the divine spirit resting within him?!” Yosef everything.” This is the key for deciphering becomes Pharaoh’s hero, in turn, Pharaoh the code. Moshe knew that he was the greatest being bold, brave and courageous?! pardons Yosef for his ‘crime’ and makes him leader, he was well-aware of his qualities, but Many times, we view ourselves as inmates, Egypt’s Viceroy. It seems to be a simple and he was also cognizant of the fact that it was all as nobodies; we do not see ourselves worthy straight forward story, but the more you think a gift from Hashem. There is only one single of anything. Especially in today’s day and age, where perfection is expected from every בעל גאוה about it, the more enigmatic it becomes. categorical difference between the who do they attribute their power, individual, where a minute blemish renders :ענו There are two parts of the story that are and the puzzling. First, where does a convict develop success, wealth, looks, popularity, strengths, them worthless, this lesson is invaluable. You the courage to stand up in front of Pharaoh to and positive traits. The bigshot attributes may be a Yosef, an inmate, a prisoner to one’s offer his personal perceptions regarding the everything to himself, ‘I am in control of own shallow perceptions, but if you believe dreams? Second, it is one thing for Yosef to everything’, ‘I am what I am because of ME- in Hashem, you can achieve and accomplish ,the humble individual attributes anything and everything. But for this to work ;כוחי ועוצם ידי interpret the dreams, but Yosef does more than that. He offers his ‘two cents’ on how to tackle everything to Hashem, ’I couldn’t do anything you need to do one thing. Take out from your the issue of the famine! It takes some serious or get anywhere without Him’, ‘I am what I am pocket the paper that says, “The world was created for me.” Hashem believes in us, if He והעושר והכבוד מלפנך. ה’ מוריש -’guts, boldness and audacity to offer unsolicited because of HIM ?does, how could we not .ומעשיר -advice to the leader of the superpower-Egypt

3. What day in the year was Yosef released from prison? QUIZ ?TIME ? livingwithmitzvos.com Rabbi 6 Meyer Amar Hasmonean High School The author can be contacted at [email protected] Understanding the Parshah Power of The Hidden Light of Chanukah and Shabbos The Midrash on the Possuk ‘Veyehi Miketz life then he is protected from the Yetzer Hora and I want to give it to the Bnei Yisroel, go and Shnosayim Yomim’ compares it to a Possuk who cannot penetrate this knowledge. He tell them’. This also helps to explain a Midrash in Iyov (28) that says there will be an end to only has power when there is a cloudiness of in Bereishis Raba that says ‘you think I gave the darkness of pain and death. The Midrash understanding and then he can sow further the Shabbos for your detriment, rather it is for further explains that Hashem allowed there to seeds of confusion and cause you to sin. your benefit’. The meaning of this is now clear, be gloom and darkness in the creation of the In the blessings that Yaakov gave to Shabbos is not just about stopping us from world but placed an end to it. This is symbolic Menashe and Ephraim we find that the doing Melacha which could feel restrictive of the Yetzer Hora of man having a power younger son’s descendants will be greater. and therefore bad in some way but rather it is positively engineered for the revelation resembling darkness and the uprooting of that He was referring to Yehoshua bin Nun who of a great spiritual light that can only begin power to reveal the light of man’s Neshomo. descended from Ephraim. In Sefer Yehoshua to be truly appreciated when not involved in A similar theme can be found in a Possuk a miracle occurred through him that the the mundane. in Tehillim ‘Tashes Choshech Veyehi Layala Bo sun didn’t set and allowed the enemy to be Tirmos Chayso Yoar’. This can be understood defeated. Conceptually this is a reference to a When one does restrict oneself on the to mean that in spiritual darkness the great spiritual light from H’shem channelled Shabbos and makes a determined effort to Yetzer Hora has power to attack, the Possuk through Yehoshua that keeps the enemy at connect to its divine light the Neshomo feels continues ’Tizrach Hashemesh Ye’oseifun’ bay. This great spiritual light that emanates empowered to grow spiritually throughout the indicating the solution, that when the spiritual from Ephraim is connected to the 7th day next week despite the detractions from the light shines into the darkness of the Yetzer of Chanukah which is also Rosh Chodesh darkness around us. It’s a bit like charging the Hora it is lost to the light. Light in this respect Teves. The Chanukah Torah reading says battery of your phone so that it will function refers to a higher level of spiritual awareness, ‘Bayom Heshevii Nosi Livnei Ephraim’. Sifrei despite the constant drain from the daily that engaging in Olam Hazeh for its own sake Chasiddus write that this marks the beginning running applications. is essentially pointless. of the days of Shovevim where the spiritual In the same vein the Chanukah lights The indication of the Midrash is that light of Ephraim comes and illuminates the represent a similar and perhaps even more the Yetzer Hora creates a certain spiritual darkness generated in our soul from aveiros powerful divine energy than Shabbos. The darkness in Klal Yisroel both communally and connected to Middas Hayesod the Midda of Ramban writes that Chanukah’s energy individually, a Jew who feels this darkness Yosef Hatzadik. emanates from the Menorah which in turn emanates from the hidden light of the creation. of spirit needs to place greater effort in his Shabbos akin to Chanukah has a It is so powerful it can light up the darkness spiritual battles with the Yetzer Hora in order tremendous spiritual light to illuminate that hides below 10 tefachim, a darkness to bring an end to the gloom. our week from the darkness of the secular generated by sins of a deeply physical nature. Essentially the purpose of the Yetzer Hora and physical world in which we live. This The only condition to this is that we have is to darken the spiritual eyes of a Jew and is the meaning of the famous Tefila ‘Rozo apply our own connective energy to connect encourage pointless activity in Olam Hazeh. Deshabbos’. ‘Rozo’ has the same Gematria as and link into to the powerful Divine energy This is evident from a Possuk in Hallel. ‘Ohr’. A person must connect with this light of Chanukah. ‘Einayim Lohem Velo Yiru’ referring to the non- by generating his own energy into feeling the Jews who have a form of spiritual eyes but Shabbos light. Keeping the laws meticulously We should pray to Hashem that we are able can’t really see Hashem’s light with them as is very important but to properly connect into to cultivate the attitude and desire to really they don’t input spiritual purpose in the Olam the spiritual energy of Shabbos one needs to connect to His Divine light through the holy Hazeh they engage in. actively inject one’s own energy into feeling the days of Chanukah and Shabbos and ultimately merit to see our Yetzer Hora pushed into The Yevanim wanted to bring this spiritual Shabbos in order to become fully enlightened. his own dark corner powerless to stop the darkness to Klal Yisroel. The Jews had no In this respect Shabbos is different to other connected and now super-powered soul from other way of defeating them other than by Mitzvos. The light that comes down on basking in the light of its Creator. rekindling the Chanukah light particularly Shabbos is of a far more powerful energy than below 10 tefachim. The Yetzer Hora resides that created by doing regular Mitzvos. This is Adapted from the Sefer Nesivas Shalom by in the darkness and confusion of life. When indicated by the Gemora Shabbos 10b that Rabbi Meyer Amar Hashem helps a Jew who has clarity of mind says ‘Hashem said to Moshe I have a special to recognise His kingship in all aspects of his gift from my treasury and it’s called Shabbos Lilui Nishmas my Zeide Nochum Dovid Ben Moshe

4. What do we know about the wife of Yosef, Osnas? QUIZ ?TIME ? livingwithmitzvos.com Rabbi 7 Dov Ber Cowan Young Professionals, JLE The author can be contacted at [email protected] YOSEF: THE ULTIMATE Parshah SUCCESS STORY Success. Everyone wants it. Everyone needs it. Advertising companies the world over feed on the images of success to sell us everything from cars to toothpaste. The bookshelves are bursting full of self-help books promising the keys to the very success we seek in business, parenting, relationships and beyond. You are successful if you achieve your goal. You are successful if you actualise your ambition.

It is therefore somewhat surprising that (whole/perfect man) who will merit to cling to beseech you - make us successful. We’re not the one person that the Torah describes as his Creator…” asking for salary raises or for career goals to being the very paradigm of success - is none The true definition ofhatzlacha is that there be met. We’re asking for true hatzlacha; to be other than Yosef. Let’s stop for a moment to was a Jew called Yosef who was in the midst able to run the gauntlet of this world’s ever analyse the life of the most successful man in of a raging battlefield. Caught in the ambush present challenges without giving up. The the Torah. At age 17 he is voted “most hated by Potiphar’s wife he was challenged beyond true Ish Matzliach is not the one who can brother” in the yearbook. He has passed anything we can comprehend. However, at point to a goal achieved or a box ticked, but his time invariably in a snake and scorpion that decisive moment, he refused to surrender rather the person who, in challenging times, infested pit, the cargo hold of an Arabian to values that went against everything he with a Yetzer Hara burning inside, is able to camel train and an Egyptian prison - all before believed in. Vayanus hachutza - he ran outside. make a decision to do the right thing and his 30th birthday. Without a mother and Yosef is the true Ish Matzliach, emerging stay true to his inner-conviction. The true separated from his beloved father, he has been victorious from the battlefield of this world Ish Matzliach is the one who recognises that a slave in the house of Potiphar where he has of confusion and temptation with his values whatever the circumstances are; however dark been harassed and falsely accused by his wife. intact. and challenging and ever-present they might By the time we meet Yosef at the beginning of be, when push comes to shove they will not On Chanukah we will be spending eight this week’s parsha he is still languishing in jail, surrender their small flask of pure oil to the consecutive days calling out to Hashem saying all but forgotten by the very butler whom he Yetzer Hara. Ana Hashem Hatzlicha Na. Please Hashem, we had helped out with a positive interpretation of a dream. With all the evidence in hand, QUESTION

there is no doubt that Yosef gets the vote as the Torah’s least successful character. And yet, astoundingly, Yosef is the one person The titles of at least nine (there a could be more) Pirushim or Seforim) י אִ ׁש מַ צְ ִ ל י חַ who the Torah gives the title of successful man). are taken from this week's Parsha. With this in mind, we need to radically reassess our definition of truehatzlacha . In the What are they? first perek of Messilas Yesharim (The Path of CLUE Parsha the Just) the Ramchal writes that riddle Thank you to Many of them are on the Rambam and Shulchon “...Man is truly placed in the midst of a Boruch Kahan [email protected] Oruch. raging battlefield. For all matters of this FIND THE ANSWER IN NEXT WEEK'S ONEG world, whether for the good or for the bad, are trials for a man. …. If he will be a man of ANSWER FROM LAST WEEK valour, emerging from the battle victorious on "Shomati (past) Oimrim (present) Nelchoh (future)" Perek 37 Possuk 17 all fronts - he will be the “Adam HaShalem”

5. Yosef allowed the brothers to return home to bring Binyomin and chose one of the brothers to remain as hostage. Who was this and why take him more than any other QUIZ ?TIME ? livingwithmitzvos.com brother? To subscribe to receive weekly 8 Rabbi Yossi a family friendly vort and story email Goldberg [email protected]

Parshah ויהי מקץ שנתים ימים ופרעה חולם וכו' ויריצהו מן הבור )מא' א' - יד'( At the end of two years, Paraoh dreamed etc. They hurried him (Yosef) out of the pit

"ויריצהו When the Pesukim here describe Paraohs’s dream and then Yosef The Chofetz Chaim adds a different point. The Possuk writes They hurried Yosef out of the pit; what was the hurry? Answers the "מן הבור ,being freed from jail, it seems at first that because Paraoh had a dream now Yosef had a way to be freed. Meaning, first was Paroah’s dream and Chofetz Chaim, when Hashem decided that the time had come for Yosef’s this caused that Yosef could now be freed. to leave jail, He did not delay even for a single second. So they hurried But the Beis Halevi points out from the Medrash that in truth, it was him out of the pit. Every detail that happened was in exact accordance to the opposite way round. Since Hashem had decided that Yosef’s time in Hashem’s master plan. jail was up, He made Paraoh have the dream so that Yosef could now be This is a very important concept to internalize as we go through life. freed. The dream was just the way Hashem was freeing Yosef from jail. It is easy for us to think we understand what is really going on in every situation. When things run their natural course and all is fine, it is easy to forget that Hashem is the real source behind nature. In the time of the Chanukah story, there were so many different Nissim that took place. Chazal chose to celebrate mainly the neis that we found of the jug of oil by lighting Menorah every night. Harav Freidlander asks; why not celebrate the neis that Klal Yisroel won the war? He answers as follows: everyone understands that finding the oil with the seal of the Kohen Gadol and it lasting for eight days was a complete supernatural neis. Whereas, one could mistakenly think that the wars that Klal Yisroel won were because of their own strength and not because of a neis from Hashem. When we light the Menorah and recognise Hashem for the obvious neis that He did, we will be in the right frame of mind and spirit to recognise that Hashem was behind the other not-so-obvious Nissim of the war too. לא בחיל ולא ;As the Haftarah of Shabbos Chanukah reads ,Not with an army and not with strength בכח כי אם ברוחי only with My spirit. This is a challenge that we face today. We must believe and internalize that Hashem is behind everything that happens and in total control. Not a single man and not a single piece of technology can replace our strong Emuna that Hashem is the true Source of everything. A few years ago, there was an attempted terrorist attack on a children’s bus in Eretz Yisroel. The two Reshaim got onto a bus packed with children and then for some reason just alighted straight away without doing anything, Boruch Hashem. When the child (six year old) nearest to the door was asked what he had said to them that had made them leave, he answered, “I didn’t say anything! I just said what my Daddy told me ה' הוא האלקים אין" to do: Stare at him in the eye and say ”.and they left "עוד מלבדו May we be Zoche to this clarity of Emuna and may Klal Yisroel be protected from all Tzoros.

לר’’ש יעל פאסל בת דבורה פראדל

6. How did Yosef know the Egyptian language as when speaking to Pharaoh we do not find he used an interpreter? QUIZ ?TIME ? livingwithmitzvos.com This page is sponsored by Federation Rabbi Chaim 9 Zundel Pearlman Rabbi, Machzikei Hadath Synagogue and Rosh Beit Midrash, Hendon The author can be contacted at [email protected]

for Chanukah שיר של יום The Chanukah .מזמור שיר חנוכת הבית לדוד is The psalm continues with a litany of the times David better understood by the dual meaning of the keri and kesiv. escaped from his enemies The Gemara (Menachos 98a) describes how and concludes with a the Eastern Gate of the Temple Mount featured thanksgiving. The Malbim a picture of the palace of the Persian Capital at Shushan: hence the name the Shushan Gate. queries the relevance Two explanations are offered - either to remind of these verses to the the people of their origin or to place in them the consecration of the house fear of the ruling authorities. Rabbeinu Gershom of David. comments that the purpose was to remind the people of the miracles wrought by Hashem on On his recent trip to their behalf, when Cyrus granted permission to Rav Abramsky explained that the time of London, Rabbi Paysach supreme joy is the most appropriate time to pour ascend and built the Temple. Maharsho adds that out one’s heart, and give thanks to Hashem for one should remember at a time of ascendancy, Krohn suggested that we all the salvations from the hard times that one the preceding lowliness. Similarly Rabbeinu all greet our fellow has endured. Chananel (Pesachim 86a) remarks, you were Jew because exiled to Bovel for your sins and from there you This lesson is found in Rabbeinu Bachya on ascended, whenever you observe the image of you make שבת שלום :the possuk the Shushan palace you will remember the harsh them feel .exile and relate this to your children. special קָטֹנְּתִי מִ ֹ ּכ ל הַ חֲ סָ דִ י ם ּו מִ ּכָ ל הָ אֱ מֶ ת אֲ ר ׁשֶ עָ ׂשִ י תָ אֶ ת עַ בְ ּדֶ ָך ּכִיבְמַקְ לִ י עָ בַרְּתִ יאֶ תהַ ּיַרְּדֵ ןהַ ּזֶ ה הוְעַּתָ הָ יִיתִ ילִׁשְ ינֵ מַחֲ נֹות: Maharsho (Kidushin 66a) likewise explains )וישלח לב י( the intention of King Yannai on returning from See I am not worthy of all the mercies and of a very successful military campaign in which he all the truth which you have shown to your conquered 60 cities. He summoned all the Sages Miracles servant, for with my staff I crossed the of Israel and declared “Our fathers ate salty In Jordan and I have become two camps. dishes when they were occupied with building Life Good Shabbos When one is successful and life is going well, the Beit Hamikdash, let us also eat salty dishes it is all too easy to forget the former years, when as a memorial to our fathers. Adds Maharsho, Every times were hard. States Rabbeinu Bachya: from the intent was correct, to remember in the days Day here we learn that one is obliged to remember of his wealth and elevation the days of poverty at a moment of peace the bad times, so that one and suppression. When walking on the contemplates his good fortune and gives thanks The Gemara (Shabbos 13b) states that the street on Shabbos, to the Almighty for this. He derives support for author of Megilas Taanis was Chananiah ben say Good Shabbos (or this message from a verse in Kohelet (7 14) to Chizkiya. He held the times of troubles very which he gives an original interpretation. precious and therefore recorded all the significant Good Yom Tov) to all of & dates on which forms of mourning are forbidden. your fellow brothers ּבְיֹום טֹובָה הֱ יֵה בְטֹוב ּובְיֹום רָעָה רְאֵ ה וכו' )קהלת ז יד( Of these dates only Purim and Chanukah are On the day of prosperity be happy, and [on sisters. extant. Rabbi Shimon ben Gamliel explained that day of happiness] contemplate the day that, although we also treasure dates of salvation, of adversity. It doesn’t matter if the we are unable to celebrate as of yore because recipient doesn’t respond, The Vilna Gaon stresses this lesson in tragedies are so commonplace. Alternatively, just explaining an unusual keri and kesiv. as the fool is insensitive to pain, so we are unable if you don’t like that to appreciate the significance of our escape person or in a rush, it וַּיֹאמֶרּדָ וִ ד לאֶ ׁשָ אּול הרֹעֶ הָ היָ עַ בְּדְ ָך לְאָ בִ יו ּבַ ּצֹאן ּובָ א הָאֲרִ י from dangers. doesn’t hurt to greet וְאֶתהַ ּדֹוב וְנָׂשָא ׂשֶה )כתיב זה( מֵהָעֵדֶ ר: )שמו"א יז לד( And David said unto Saul, your servant From all these examples, we see how important someone. guarded his father’s sheep and there came a it is never to forget the hard and difficult times lion and a bear and took a lamb from the flock. that we have suffered, communally or individually, meaning particularly in times of peace and prosperity. It“שה" Samuel 1 17 v34). The keri is) גוט שבת meaning this. The is incumbent on us, not to take our deliverance "זה" a lamb but the kesiv is Gaon quotes a midrash. When David saw from so many situations for granted and to learn that a miracle had happened with regard to this lesson from the patriarchs, to acknowledge the rescue of the lamb, he slaughtered it and the numerous occasions we have been the object from the lambskin made a garment which he of chasdei Hashem and particularly when times constantly wore as a reminder of the miracle. are good. When we celebrate Chanukah singing we מזמור שיר חנוכת הבית לדוד So he pointed to the garment and recounted Hallel and reciting to Saul that this skin was the source of his acknowledge the miracles which have enabled us miraculous salvation. The midrash can be to survive through many periods of adversity. Rabbi Shmuel 10 Kimche Rabbi at Yeshivat Reishit Yerushalayim The author can be contacted at [email protected] Chanukah, the Dreidle Chanukah and Jewish History hanukah has a special energy. This was to counter the Guf, the ‘body’ of the The significance of Yehudah and Yosef As a Yom Tov Derababnan, it Jewish People. meeting up in mitzrayim, explain Chazal, has obviously no mention in the Yavan – The Greek ‘galus’ was a cultural is to sow the seeds of Refuah before the Torah, but also (famously) has no battle; a battle for the Sechel of Klal Yisrael. Makkah. To allow Yosef and Yehudah, the Cmasechta devoted to it, almost no halacha foreshadowing of Mashach Ben Yosef and (save a few dapim buried in Bameh Madlikin). Rome – Was HaKol [Daniel 2:40 – Mehadak Mashiach Ben David to unite in Mitzrayim However, being the last addition to the yearly VeChashal Kula]; ALL OF THE PREVIOUS – the root of the 4 exiles. However, the more THREE! And when we look at the last two cycle, it clearly was established to carry a significant word here (explains the Bnei thousand years of Jewish History, we can see powerful message that is intended to carry us Yisaschar) is the word “Goshnah”, which that this final Galus reflects all the others, and through our long Galus. The light in the dead of is comprised of the letters Gimmel, Shin, here I quote from the Bnei Yisaschar – winter. The mekubalim talk of Chanukah as the Nun, Hey – the letters which represent Guf, chinuch for the Future redemption. This fourth and final Galus is ‘one that Sechel, Nefesh, Hakol. The Geulah from I would like to share, what I found to be an crushes everything’, and comprises the other these four exiles was being planned by incredible inspiration, from the writings of the force, the guf, nefesh and sechel, and has been “building a beit midrash in Egypt” to counter Bnei Yisaschar of Dinov. worse to us than all other nations. You will find, the influences of these four ‘enemies’!! that at its inception, it destroyed the second beis ּומׁשֶ ה הָ יָה רֹעֶ האֶ ת צֹאן יִתְ רֹוחֹתְ נֹו ןּכֹהֵ מִדְ יָן וַ ּיִנְהַ ג אֶ ת We are all familiar with the 4 Galuyos from ÂÂ hamikdash, like Bavel did to the first (nefesh)… הַ ּצֹאן אַחַרהַּמִדְ ּבָרוַּיָבֹא אֶל הַר הָאֱֹלקִ ים חֹרֵ בָ ה The Nevuah of Daniel. The midrash is replete then it proceeded to destroy our guf, through with references to the 4 exiles; from the midrash libels and pogroms where they spilled blood of On the way to finding the Burning Bush, on the second passuk (Tohu, Vohu, Choshech, Kedoshei Elyon with wrath and cruelty, [like they Moshe leads his flock “Achar HaMidbar” Tehom), to the Ladder of Ya’acov, and the tried to in the times of Achashveirosh]… and – behind the desert… this seemingly out- 4 ‘unclean animals’ – chazal never shy away finally in our days, they are coming up against of-place term, is actually another remez in ּמִ דְ ּבָ ר from reminding us of the four Kingdoms that our Torah [sechel] with external influences to these 4 letters – the letters after the four - נהגש confront the Jewish People. [assimilation] as they did during the times of the alef-beis, are the letters What we are less familiar with, is the content Yavan…. letters hinting to the 4 Galuyos. Moshe ” ּמִ דְ ּבָ ר was leading “his flock” to “after the and characteristic of each Galus. Mitzrayim Back to us. was the embryo of both these four exiles and through the 4 galuyos. We see the 4 exiles. We see that the first three their redemptions – With the remez from the ÂÂ Of course, Minhag Yisrael is a serious thing! (threats to Spirituality, Body, Mind) are repeated Megaleh Amukos (Parshas Toldos) - The dreidel that we play with has far more in this fourth Galus. We are currently, in the ַו ְ י הִ י בַ ָּי מִ י ם - where " is the achronym for meaning than ‘fooling the greek soldiers’ third and final third of the 4th Galus – where רבי ם הָ רַ ּבִ י ם הָ הֵ ם – – – . or gambling with Chanukah gelt… The 4 !we are replaying the Chanukah Battles – today רומי בבל יון מדי !! נגהש letters on the sides of the dreidel are Egypt, had an element of each of these four Chanukah is probably the most current ‘Moed’! galuyos, and now let us describe them: No wonder it is named for the Chanukahs As we watch our dreidles spin, and we see the letters on the side blurring into illegibility Bavel – The destroyers of the first Beis HaBayis of the Future! – our hearts are filled with the confidence Hamikdash. They were out for the Nefesh, If we were to stop here, it would have that “Netzach Yisrael Lo Yishaker”. Many rise the lifeblood of the Jewish People which been interesting – but let me share the most against us, and spin around us, but we can was Klal Yisrael’s service of Hashem in the amazing Remazim: never be defeated – not in guf, nefesh or Sechel. Beis HaMikdash. ÂÂ “And [Yaakov] sent Yehudah ahead to Madai – Haman was out for the physical Yosef, to establish before him, to Goshen destruction “Lehashmid LeHarod U’leabed”. [“Goshnah”]” [Beraishis 46:28].

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7. For how many years was Yosef second in command to Pharaoh? QUIZ ?TIME ? livingwithmitzvos.com This page is sponsored by Federation Rabbi 11 Danny Kirsch Rav of JLE Shul, Federation The Author can be contacted at [email protected] Chaim Shel Shalom ChanukahParshah The shul is hushed as the Chazan chants the famous Tefillah preceding the announcement of the new month. Adapted from the Prayer, that Rav added at the conclusion of his shemonei Esrei (Talmud Berachos 16b) the Yehei Rotzon supplication has the word Chaim mentioned Eleven times. One for each and every Month of the year that we bless the new month (on Tishrei we do not bless the month )In his Sefer on Rosh Chodesh “Talei Oros” Rabbi Yissacher Dov Rubin zt”l shows how each month throughout the year is connected to a different use of the word Chaim, Life, in the above mentioned prayer.

he month of Kislev is connected to and “without” our community. The Chofetz will be effective in bringing such harmony “Chaim Shel Shalom” a life of peace. In Chaim teaches us, that each Torah observant within klal Yisroel? Only someone who loves addition we can add that the symbol Jew has a responsibility to insure that if they people and truly seeks their best interests. of this month is a Bow reminding us see a fellow Jew straying, they must try to Hakohen exemplified those qualities and Hillel Tof the rainbow and Hashem’s promise of peace inspire and educate them to appreciate the obligates us to become Aharon Hakohen’s following the flood. Rabbi Rubin explains that beauty, brilliance and relevance of a Torah life pupils learning and living by his example. the peace alluded to in the blessing is a hint style. But how does one begin to interact with Showing a true interest in people and at the ideological in-fighting and lack of peace such people, to ensure this is truly a month of caring for them, is the most powerful tool that took place at the time of the Chanukah Peace? Offer them peace..... available to “bringing them closer to Torah.” A story. At this time the Jewish nation was sadly I often hear people say “I’m not trained!”, warm welcome in shul , being makdim Shalom split into two factions. On the one side those “I may say the wrong thing, “I’m nervous to to a fellow Jew , and showing them that a who stayed loyal to the Al-mighty, and on the answer their questions”, “who am I and how true Torah Jew really cares, is the easiest and other side those Jews who were Hellenized can I possibly speak to Jews who are distant most effective tool in “bringing them closer to (about whom the Prophet Yeshayahu 48:22. from Torah True Judaism” Torah”. There are Shuls in our community who Tells us “For the wicked“, Says Hashem,”there The valiant victors of the Chanukah story are warm and caring and it’s truly wonderful is no peace”) were of course the family of Yochanan the to hear how people are so impressed and One of the most famous pesukim of Kohen Gadol who were sadly forced to fight inspired by the warmth shown to them. Tehillim is the final verse in chapter 29. their very own brethren in an attempt to insure But sadly this is not always the case, as “Hashem oz L’amo Yitein...Hashem yevorech the survival of Torah True Judaism. a person who travels widely and visits many es amo bshalom.” Hashem will give might to But today in our society there’s another communities around the globe it can be very his nation, Hashem will bless his nation with method available to us. uncomfortable to be completely ignored. Not peace, as Rashi explains those who serve to receive a single Shalom! Sadly this reality The Mishna in pirkei avos perek 1 mishna false gods will vanish but those who serve happens in our very own community as well. I 12, exhorts us to “be among the talmidim of Hashem will grow even mightier and will be know of an individual who regularly Davens in Aharon, loving peace and pursuing peace, blessed with Peace. One aspect of the miracle a particular local shul, who has yet to receive loving people and drawing them close to of Chanukah is the very existence of Klal a welcome! This month of Kislev is offering the Torah “The Maharal asks, what is the Yisroel well over two thousand years after the us a truly wonderful blessing a “Chaim shel connection between the high priest, Aharon, Hasmoneans famous victory. But who in Klal Shalom”. So let us make this into a month of and the quality of peace? The Maharal Shalom by greeting and caring for others and Yisroel has survived two millennium? Only answers that the true goal of the High priest following Aharon Hakohen’s example. Not only those who adhere to the principles and ideals is to unite and bind klal Yisroel into a unified will we merit to be mekarev them to Torah, but of the Torah. nation (Shalom), and to bring harmony we will merit Be’ezras Hashem the full and In our generation we are faced with new (Shalom) among the people and between klal ultimate Chanukah, bimhera beyomeinu. modes of hellenisation both from “within” Yisroel and and Hakodosh Boruch Hu. Who

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8. How could Pharaoh simply upgrade a servant from prison to second-in-command? QUIZ ?TIME ? livingwithmitzvos.com R’ Jeremy 12 Richards Head of Kodesh, Nancy Reuben Primary School The author can be contacted at www.torahschool.co.uk or [email protected]

n Parashas Beha’aloscho, the Ohr For it would seem that Ner Chanukah is not Gedalyahu (Rabbi Gedalya Schorr) a service at all, but rather a general mitzvoh Chanukah writes: “At the beginning of the parashah of lighting, and it is not even performed in (Bemidbar 8:1) Rashi cites from the the Temple, and so what connection is there IMidrash Tanchuma: “Why is the portion between the service in the Beis Hamikdosh his learning by the light of the Menorah; that dealing with the Menorah juxtaposed with the and the Chanukah lights?” (Ohr Gedalyahu on is, he would study and review the Torah he =) learnt directly from Hashem during the day (ק"י.portion dealing with the Nesi’im [Princes of Beha’aloscho: p the Written Torah) by himself at ,תורה שבכתב the Tribes]? Because when Aharon saw the The Ohr Gedalyahu notes that in order to the Oral Torah) by the ,תורה שבעל פה =) dedication ceremony and offerings of all the night understand the answer to this question on light of the Menorah, which assisted him in his Nesi’im [and that neither he nor his tribe were the Ramban we have to remind ourselves of joining the Princes in bringing offerings] he learning as it shone with an impactful glow of his (the Ohr Gedalyahu’s – Rabbi Gedalya Torah SheBe’Al Peh. The Netziv writes that the became depressed. Hashem said to him, “By Schorr’s own) depiction of the Chanukah lights your life, yours is greater than theirs, for you ‘tachlis,’ the inherent purpose of the Menorah as symbolising Torah SheBe’Al Peh, the Oral was the ' ’ – Torah analysis and פלפולה של תורה ”.will light and prepare the lamps Torah. (See the Ohr Gedalyahu on Chanukah, debate, and this was the type of learning that In his essay on Moshe would do at night, with Divine aid in the (כז: “חנוכה יו"ט של תושבע"פ”We need to try to understand, in what way pp.52- was the avodah (service) of the Menorah greater Chanukah, “Chanukah, the Yom Tov of Torah form of the light of Torah SheBe’Al Peh from than the avodah of the offerings brought by the SheBe’Al Peh,” he writes the following: the Menorah. Nesi’im, who offered up many sacrifices and “…Chanukah is fundamentally of the Torah We are now able to understand the assertion also brought the Ketores (incense)?” SheBe’Al Peh in nature, and aside from the of the Ramban that the service of the Menorah Look into the commentary of the Ramban, fact that its source is Rabbinic, its primary continued even after the destruction of the who asks this question himself, and indeed essence is also of the Oral Torah, and its light Beis HaMikdosh, through the lighting of the :too.” (Ohr Gedalyahu on Chanukah lampsתורה שבעל פה questions why Hashem did not console is of the Aharon by referring to all of the offerings [that Chanukah, p.52: “Chanukah: Yom Tov of the “In this way the intention of the Ramban is he and the other kohanim would be bringing] Torah She Be’Al Peh”) understood, which is to say that the influence and the offering of the Ketores [by Aharon The Ohr Gedalyahu writes that the Torah of the Oral Torah by means of the lamps [of and his descendants]…” (Ohr Gedalyahu on SheBe’Al Peh was the essence also of the the Menorah] never ended, since also from the Menorah in the Beis HaMikdosh. In this respect, Chanukah lights emanates the influence of the (ק"ט.Beha’aloscho: p The Ohr Gedalyahu notes Ramban’s answer both the Menorah and the festival of Chanukah Oral Torah …” (ק"י.to this difficulty, which is that the lighting of the are not only deeply symbolic of the Oral Torah (Ohr Gedalyahu on Beha’aloscho: p Menorah was a greater job than bringing all the but also their respective illuminations are The special gift reserved for Aharon was that korbonos because the offerings came to an end each considered to radiate a certain power or he and his descendants were to be entrusted with the destruction of the Beis HaMikdosh, the Oral –תורה שבעל פה influence charged with Torah SheBe’Al Peh. with the institution of whereas the service of the Menorah continued The Ohr Gedalyahu elaborates on this idea, and Law – which would endure even beyond the even after the destruction, through the lighting crystalises it, with reference to the commentary destruction of the Temple, preserved in the of the Chanukah lamps. of the Ha’amek Davar, by the Netziv (Rabbi festival of Chanukah. However, the Ohr Gedalyahu asks on this: Naftali Tzvi Yehudah Berlin). “But this requires examination, for in what way The Netziv notes that, according to the In Memory of my Dear Parents, a”h לעלוי נשמת יצחק בן נחמן הלוי ע"ה Moshe would ,(שמות רבה, כי תשא) is Ner Chanukah considered like a continuation Midrash ולעלוי נשמת יענטע בת ישראל ע"ה of the Menorah service in the Beis HaMikdosh? enter the Mishkon at night in order to review

9. Why didn’t other people also store away produce knowing about the upcoming years of famine so that they would not be reliant on Yosef? QUIZ ?TIME ? livingwithmitzvos.com Rabbi Netanel Rabbi Dadoun gives a live skype 13 shiur on Monday night at 8.15 in Porat Yosef Congregation, to join Dadoun skype in porat.yosef, he can be Darchei David Halachik Institute for reached on [email protected] Rabbanim and Dayanim, Jerusalem “Chanukah - Chanukah A kiss from Hashem” f you go around the world and ask people which is exactly what we needed to save our light seven but we do one extra more than we what is Chanukah?, they all say we found lives. However, when we commemorate the have to, just to show our love for the mitzvah one jug of uncontaminated oil that could festival we pride ourselves in the kiss that and Hashem. burn for 1 day and a miracle happened we received because he is our father and we We find this concept also in this week’s Iand it burned for 8 days. That is true even the are his children and he always takes care of us. sedra. When Yosef gets sold to the Yishma’elim Gemora [Shabbos 21b Mai channuka] says that This was also midah keneged middah. to trade him in Egypt, Rashi tells us that we light the Chanukah menorah to remember Since everything was already contaminated, Hashem made for him a change in nature. the miracle of the oil. Why doesn’t the Gemora they were allowed halachikly to light with Instead of coming with camels laden with the say that we celebrate Chanukah because of impure oil - as tumah hutra betsibbur. However, usual smelly hides and paraffin, they came the miracles of the war against the Greeks? the Maccabim, out of their love for the mitzvah, min-hashamayim with the fragrance of sweet Our enemies were strong and great in number, went out of their way to try find a pure jug smelling spices, as reward for the tsaddik. but Hashem put them into the hands of the of oil to fulfil the mitzvah lechatchila, even Rav Chaim Schmuelevitz zt”l, asks, what is righteous; who were few and weak. Instead of though they didn’t need to. So too Hashem Yossef thinking at this point? After growing up lighting the menorah every year to celebrate did for them a miracle that he didn’t need to without a mother, he has now been betrayed Chanukah maybe it would make more sense do out of love. by his brothers who tried to kill him. He just to celebrate the victory of the war by hanging This also explains the Rambam - why the went from being the pride of his father, the flags of Macabees everywhere! mitzvah of ner Chanukah is a mitzvah chavivah favourite son who learnt Torah with Yaakov Maybe we should celebrate Chanukah by ad meod - most beloved ‘favourite’ mitzvah - Avinu, to slave of Arabs to be sold to a land of hanging flags of Maccabees everywhere! and also why the mehadrin min hamehadrin is tumah where no slave can escape from. How Rav Chaim Schmuelevitz zt”l, asks why in the practiced halacha by everyone - because much do you think he cares about the smell of fact did Hashem make the miracle of the oil, it it represents the extra unnecessary miracle the camels? How comforting are spices when seems pointless as it had nothing to do with of the oil - the kiss of affection we got from your family wanted you dead? saving us? Hashem - so we love and cherish this mitsvah The spices weren’t for Yosef to enjoy Rav Nissan Kaplan shlit”a explains this and fulfil it by doing our best, lighting with the smell, they had a much more important with the most beautiful parable. Imagine you olive oil and lighting more than just one candle purpose. The change of nature - was not a see a woman taking care of a baby, changing every night just to show that we love him back. pointless miracle - it was a kiss to remind Yosef him, washing him, cleaning him and feeding This also answers the famous question of that even in the darkness Hashem is with him. him. How do you know if this woman is the the Bet Yosef why do we light for eight nights, Hashem did not want Yosef to give up in his mother of the baby or the maid in the house? if they had oil for one night then the miracle despair thinking that he was abandoned. The answer is obvious, if you see that every was only seven nights. In light of the above The spices was a Divine sign of time the woman picks up and puts down the we can understand that we might need to only affection - I love you - you are not alone. child she gives him a kiss; that is the sign she is the mother. The maid will just do her job and put the baby down. Why? This is as the kiss is not part of taking care of the child, it is not necessary in order for the child to be clean and fed. The kiss is only to show love. So too on Chanukah, when our lives were in danger, when the Greeks threatened to kill us if we would not change our religion, all Hashem had to do was save us from our enemies. Which he did and that’s why we thank him. However, the miracle of oil was totally unnecessary; there was no reason for it! We would have still been around today studying Torah even if there was no miracle. ...the mitzvah of So why did Hashem do it? Because he loves us, it was an additional miracle just out of love ner Chanukah is a for us, symbolic of a mother’s kiss, to show that it was our father watching over us always, who saved us from the war out of love. So mitzvah chavivah when we thank him in al hanissim we mention the great miracle of salvation from the war ad meod

10. Why did Pharaoh need two dreams? Why express the same message through cows and stalks and why these order? QUIZ ?TIME ? livingwithmitzvos.com Rabbi 14 Yehonasan Gefen Rabbi for Keter HaTorah The author can be contacted at [email protected] Chanukah - PERFECTLY Parsha IMPERFECT Chanukah is one of the most well-observed Jewish festivals - everyone enjoys lighting pretty menorahs and eating lots of doughnuts! But underlying the victory of the Chashmonaim over the powerful Greek army is a fundamental ideological battle, one that still rages today. These two ideologies represent opposing attitudes regarding the purpose of life.

There is a medrash about a Roman leader that of man! There was a deeper disagreement Given all this, it should be of little surprise who asks Rabbi Akiva whose creation is underlying this discussion. The Greco- that one of the three mitzvos that the Greeks greater - that of Hashem or that of man. Roman philosophy emphasized the perfection forbade the Jews from observing was bris Rabbi Akiva surprisingly answers that man’s of man. The Greeks idolized the human mila. They sought to uproot the idea that man creation is greater, because Hashem creates body and intellect. In their eyes, man was is not made perfect, that life is about improving inedible produce, such as a kernel of wheat naturally perfect, and the Romans essentially oneself, striving to remove his negative traits which serves no obvious purpose, whereas represented a continuation of that ideology. and develop his positive attributes. However, man takes this kernel and, through much Consequently, the Jewish practice of bris the Jews fought this prohibition with all their toil, makes it into bread. The medrash tells us mila was particularly abhorrent to them; it might and eventually overcame the Greeks. that Rabbi Akiva anticipated that the Roman involved taking something that was perfect So, too, we have outlived the Romans and expected him to say that Hashem’s creation and damaging it. Rabbi Akiva represented all the philosophies that espouse the natural was greater. He also knew what the Roman’s the Torah belief that Hashem deliberately perfection of mankind. Nevertheless, the battle next question would be: if Hashem’s creation created the world in an imperfect fashion so continues. Today, we are surrounded by a is greater, then why is it that after Hashem that man could perfect it himself. Of course secular society that places little or no emphasis creates a human being, man proceeds to Hashem is infinitely greater than mankind. He on the concept of self-improvement, instead perform bris mila (circumcision), cutting away creates a coarse kernel of wheat so that man focusing on self-gratification. We, however, part of the human body, thus implying that will go through the process of turning it into know that the true satisfaction can only be man is improving upon Hashem’s creation. something greater. This, too, is the symbolism derived from growing, from becoming a kinder, Rabbi Akiva forestalled the question by stating of bris mila: the idea that man is not born more spiritual person, a more thoughtful that man’s creation is indeed greater perfect. Man has much work to do, in particular spouse, a more attentive parent, and, most How can we understand this? Surely to harness and control all his powerful drives importantly, a better servant of Hashem. Hashem’s creation is infinitely greater than and use them for growth or improvement.

Rabbi Akiva surprisingly answers that man’s creation is greater, because Hashem creates inedible produce, such as a kernel of wheat which serves no obvious purpose, whereas man takes this kernel and, through much toil, makes it into bread.

11. How long was Yosef in prison for? QUIZ ?TIME ? livingwithmitzvos.com Rabbi Dov Fisher 15 Kollel Darchei Hora’ah, Yerushlayim The author can be contacted at [email protected]

Chanukah Chanuka In their attempt to eradicate all that is holy and dear to the Jewish nation, the Greek establishment singled out three commandments and forbade the practice of them. These were the mitzvahs of Shabbos, Bris Milah and Rosh Chodesh. The choice of these three were certainly not selected arbitrarily, but were an attempt to uproot Jewish belief, practice and philosophy at every level.

he decree against keeping Shabbos that the day on which should have been Yom is simple enough to understand. Kippur, one is not only permitted to eat, but Shabbos serves as a testimony that is actually obligated to do so. This is because there is a Creator of this world. Each due to the power of Beis Din, it is Erev Yom Tweek we rest from our work as well as from all Kippur instead! This underlying concept of the pressures and burdens of life and ascribe signifies תורה לא 2בשמים היא Rosh Chodesh that that ultimately everything is from Hashem. that the Jewish people with its Torah actually Just as Hashem rested from His creation, the have the ability to change reality3. This was Jewish nation too, rests from all creative work. too much for the Greeks. In order for the Greeks to imbue Hellenism into the Jewish people, Shabbos would have On a deeper level one can actually detect to go. Shabbos which reminds us of purpose another reason as to why Rosh Chodesh and reason is the antitheses to the Hellenistic was prohibited. Chazal tell us that the reason mantra of eat, drink and be merry. why the terrible decrees of the Greeks came the ,’התרשלו בעבודה’ into being was because If it is Shabbos that signifies that there Jewish people became weak in their service is a purpose to this world, Bris Milah gives of Hashem4. Because the Jewish people direction as to what that purpose is. Bris slackened in their religious practice, Hashem Surely as there was enough oil to last one day Milah proclaims that the purpose of a Jew took away the privilege of keeping these we should celebrate for only seven days as the in this world is not to remain ascetic and mitzvahs. Thus, one of the three mitzvahs actual miracle was for seven days? separated from the world he was born into, nor which Hashem chose to ban was the mitzvah to indulge only in the pleasures that it has to Having understood the message that the of Rosh Chodesh. This mitzvah which offer. Rather it signifies that the role of a Jew is reason why the decrees were enacted was encapsulates the incredible power contained to infuse all that is mundane with spirituality. because they became weak in their avodas within keeping Torah and mitzvahs to the Hashem, as alluded to by the banning of the It was this message that the Greeks despised. extent that reality can be changed was banned mitzvah of Rosh Chodesh, the first thing the Physical pleasure in their world view was an in measure for measure for the weakening of Chashmonoim did when they reconquered end in itself; certainly not the means to attain their service of Hashem. For only someone the Beis Hamikdosh was to ensure that the spiritual perfection. who does not truly appreciate the importance avodah would recommence immediately. So Bris Milah had to go. But why Rosh of the service of Hashem and its incredible Having internalised the message that every Chodesh? What did the Greeks see in Rosh ramifications can begin to slacken. Taking mitzvah is priceless, no time was wasted in Chodesh that threatened their philosophy to away Rosh Chodesh, therefore, would serve as ensuring that there would be a fresh supply the extent that it needed to be banned together an indicator to the Jewish people as to what of pure olive oil for the menorah6. There was with Shabbos and Bris Milah? area they needed to work on in order to correct not even a day interval in order to celebrate the The Gemoro1 tells us that the Heavenly their ways. miraculous battle. So in fact the reason why we tribunal does not begin to judge the world Perhaps now we can offer another answer celebrate Chanukah for eight days is because on Rosh Hashona until the Beis Din in to the famous question of the Beis Yosef5 as of the eight days which it took the Jewish Yerushalaim sanctifies the beginning of the people to obtain the fresh oil. This immediate to why we celebrate Chanukah for eight days. month of Tishrei. Even if objectively Rosh action which was taken signified the renewal 2 דברים ל: יב of incredible devotion to the mitzvahs and a 3 ע”ע בש”ך יו”ד ס’קפט ס”ק יג בשם הרשב”א בענין קביעות וסתות שכתב וז”ל Hashona should have begun, the power of fresh understanding to the vital importance דודאי שיפורא גרם וכו’ לפי תקוני ב”ד שכל מה שב”ד שלמטה עושים ב”ד Beis Din in this world is such that it can even שלמעלה מסכימים עמהם וכו’ ואף בחידושי הגוף כן וכו’ קטנה בת ג’ שנים ויום ,of them. This is what we are commemorating א’ שנבעלה אין בתולים חוזרים נמנו ב”ד ועברו השנה בתולים חוזרים עכ”ל delay the commencement of the day of world הפלא ופלא! .celebrating and hopefully emulating 4 ע’ ב”ח א”ח ס’תרע וע’’ע שפת אמת חנוכה תרנח judgement. This can lead to an eventuality 5 א”ח תר”ע ד”ה ואיכא. ובאמת כבר הקשה המאירי בשבת דף כב: ד”ה ונחזור 6 היינו לפי שיטת הר”ן ד”ף ט: ד”ה עשאום ע”ש 1 ר”ה ח:

12. Rashi (41:55) brings that Yosef made all the Egyptians who came for food have bris mila. Why? QUIZ ?TIME ? livingwithmitzvos.com Rabbi Gary Bazak 16 Seed - Education Schools Programme in Jewish primary schools The author can be contacted at [email protected]

Chanukah Chanuka Chanukah is one of our nation’s most popular moadim. It seems to fit into our basic model of festive enjoyment: They tried to kill us, they failed, we eat! It is so family friendly that massive chunks of the Jewish population who have connection to nothing else Jewish - connect to Chanukah.

However, despite its popularity it is astonishing to note that in The Jewish People see life totally differently. We see Kedusha as the rabbinic literature it is far less popular! In fact the first canonical text after expression of inner purpose in every action. Every aspect of life, be it the Chanukah conflict, the Mishna, has almost no direct references to the physical, emotional or spiritual are part of a unified whole expressing conflict at all. The only Mishna that mentions the conflict is a Mishna in purpose. Family, work, eating, drinking, learning and davening all express Middos describing the structure of the Beis HaMikdash: this purpose and the tension due to any clash is automatically reduced. “Inside of that was the ‘Soreg’ which was 10 tefachim high and had The Greeks tried to destroy that message. They tried to turn the 13 breaches created by the kings of Greece. The Jewish people repaired Reshus Hayachid – A place in which the details of life become unified the breaches and instituted that each time someone passed a breach they by purpose, into the Reshus HaRabim – A place where life just happens. should bow.” On Chanukah we celebrate by shining our candles from our home, our Reshus Hayachid ideally into the Reshus HaRabim. By doing so we If this is the only Mishna that deals with the conflict it must accurately light up the world of confused detail with our message of infusing every express the crux of issues being fought over. But the Mishna seems to aspect of life with meaning and purpose. leave us totally baffled!! The function of the Soreg was simply to turn the Beis HaMikdash from a Reshus HaRabim (public domain) into a Rehus HaYachid (private domain) thus permitting carrying on Shabbos. Now, I understand that Eiruvin can cause controversy but this seems alomost silly. Why on earth would the Beis HaMikdash being a Reshus HaYachid bother the Greeks? Rav Hutner in a magnificent piece in his work on Shabbos provides us with a beautiful idea which can be used to answer this question. He points out that in the first Brocha of Krias Shema there are many phrases added on Shabbos because of its holiness. However, one phrase from our weekday davening is strangely omitted. We leave out the phrase: “How numerous are your works Hashem…” He explains that before man was created each creation was separate from all the others. It had no intrinsic connection to anything else and therefore we were left with a confusion of numerous details. But when Hashem created man He added the purpose of creation. This meant that every detail in creation now came together to form a whole which is greater than the sum of its parts. Everything contributed in its way to a creation which now became a singular entity unified by singular purpose. New cycle starting Therefore on Shabbos, the day which expresses that purpose, we look Jan 7th - email at everything in the world through the lens of how it contributes to life’s purpose. Shabbos is therefore a day where we do not see how numerous journeythroughnach God’s works are. @gmail.com to sign Very often life pulls us in all types of different directions. It becomes up (free) a whirlwind of our family, our work, our friends, our religion all of which occasionally clash and that clash creates a tension. We all know that painful decision of having to prioritise work over family or family over work! The Greeks believed in a system of reality purely explained from within the system. They saw the different parts of life as totally separate. Therefore we are left with a life in which family life has nothing to do with work and work has nothing to do with religious life. They denied the concept of inner purpose which allows the many details to become unified and expressive of that purpose. The symbol of their philosophy is the Reshus HaRabim – The place of the details!

13. (42:5) Rashi brings that the ten brothers split up when entering Mitzrayim, each entering a dierent gate. Why? QUIZ ?TIME ? livingwithmitzvos.com Rabbi Zach Ford 17 Kerem School The author can be contacted at [email protected]

Chanukah: Outside-in Chanuka or inside out? It seems like the Jews were always destined to topple the mighty Greek empire, right? So let me ask you, where does the Torah allude to the ultimate prevailing over the Hellenistic ideals of the Greeks? Let us take a look at the end of Parshas Noach for a deeper insight…

After the mabul, Noach and his sons are charged with repopulating the world again and indeed the remaining pesukim of the parasha detail the generations of Noach’s three sons: Sheim, Ham and Yafes. However, the Torah describes a brief interlude involving Noach removing his clothing whilst in his tent, apparently under the influence of wine. Whilst Ham mocks his father’s nakedness, Sheim and Yafes cover their father without seeing his shame. Noach subsequently curses Ham for all eternity as a result of his unseemly behaviour during this episode. But what of Noach’s other two sons – both of whom were blessed after they refused to compromise the former’s privacy? ‘And he [Noach] said, “Blessed is Hashem, the G-d of Sheim; and Canaan shall be a slave to them. May G-d extend Yafes and may He dwell in the tents of Sheim” ’1. Whilst Yafes and Sheim achieved the same common goal of preserving their father’s modesty, Noach issued them both Torah’s unswerving nature, infinite wisdom we have never before encountered a society with two different blessings. Indeed, through and moral values. To them, knowledge, more focused on the individual. Wallowing Yovon, a direct descendent of Yafes, territorial culture and philosophy were all malleable by- in the spotlight is what our society craves the expansion was prevalent through Alexander products of ‘staying ahead of the game’ and most and worryingly, the greatest focus of the Great and his heirs as they went about retaining absolute authority. The gymnasiums, all seems to be the projection of one’s of self- conquering the world. This was the true amphitheaters and Olympic sports were all image. And yet, when you really think about it, meaning of Yafes being extended. Sheim on part of the guise or ‘party piece’ that espoused an image depicts a mere fragment of the truth the other hand, was blessed with the ultimate a glorified chitzonius (externality) without an and the age-old maxim ‘every picture paints a covenant of G-d. Through Avrohom, Yitzchok iota of pnimius (internal truth). thousand words’, reigns true in that regard. and Yaakov - Sheim’s primary descendants, The Medrash states, ‘If a person tells you Coming full circle, it seems no coincidence the nation of Klal Yisroel would eventually there is wisdom among the nations of the that the blessing from Noach to the Bnei be established. On the surface, these are not world, believe him. If a person tells you there Sheim was that of an eternal connection to necessary conflicting blessings - one alluding is Torah among the nations of the world, do Hakodosh Boruch Hu. It was a brocho that to material gain and the other, spiritual. not believe him’2. Rabbi Berel Wein expounds allows us to constantly infuse our lives with However, Chanukah epitomises the this Medrash to mean that no other nation in a spiritual dimension without fail. We just struggle that these two nations seemed history truly believes that the Torah’s intrinsic need to look for the light in order to do so. And destined to always grapple with. With the wisdom can propel them into more spiritual, what better reminder of this than the dancing vast expansion of Yovon’s borders, came the G-d like beings. Chanukah flames that appear during the expectation to bow to their ever-changing This notion of widespread chitzonius – darkest and coldest time of the year? Those philosophies. Indeed, Antiochos and his devoid of the pnimius – is one that rears tiny lights remind us that Klal Yisroel’s beauty cohorts were no different. And yet, whilst its ugly head in every generation - and ours shines from the inside out and moreover, each they had the physical prowess to dominate is certainly no different. For all the positive and every one of us has a unique spark that territorially and promulgate a cultural advances that the 21st century brings with it, can help us bring the ultimate Geulah – a time revolution, they couldn’t co-exist with the where chitzonius and pninmius are perfectly aligned once more. 1 Bereishis 9:27 2 Eicha Rabbah, 2:13 Excerpted by Simche Goitein 18 from The Yellow Star by S.B. Unsdorfer z’l Simche Goitein welcomes comments at [email protected]

Chanukah MIRACLE IN Chanukah NIEDER-ORSCHEL History Simche Unsdorfer was When writing the little diary in which I faith, and courage to keep us going through entered the Hebrew dates and festivals, this long, grim and icy winter. the General Secretary I discovered with great delight that Benzi, Grunwald, Stern, Fischhof, and of the Agudas Yisroel of Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, the I were in the plot. We decided to draw lots. festival on which we commemorate the Great Britain and editor The first name drawn would have to steal “recapture of the Temple from the mighty the oil; the third would be responsible for it, of the Jewish Tribune. He Greeks by a handful of faithful Jews, was and hide it until Monday evening; and the was also a survivor of the only a few days ahead. I decided that we fifth would have to light it under his bunk. I should light a little Chanukah lamp even was drawn fifth. concentration camps. in Nieder-Orschel, and that this would go a Grunwald, who was to “organise” the oil, long way towards restoring our morale. In his timeless and did his part magnificently. He persuaded moving classic, The Yellow Benzi was immediately consulted the hated Meister Meyer that his machine because he had become the most reliable Star, recently republished would work better if oiled regularly every and trusted person in the block. Even those morning, and that this could best be by his son, Zalmi at the other two tables – the “intellectuals’ arranged if a small can of fine machine Unsdorfer, he recounts table”, where the doctors, lawyers, dentists, oil was allotted to us to be kept in our tool architects, and businessmen ate, and the box. Meister Meyer agreed, so there was no his wartime experiences “free table”, where the non-believers sat longer the problem of having to hide it. – even they came to Benzi to settle their as a frum Jew trying to On Monday evening after Appell, quarrels, which were mostly about the everyone else sat down to his much awaited survive the darkness of distribution of their rations. Benzi would portion of tasteless but hot soup, while I Auschwitz, Nieder-Orschel stand no arguments at his own table. He cut busied myself under the bunk to prepare every loaf into eight portions and shared it and Buchenwald. my Menorah. I put that oil in the empty half out indiscriminately. He who complained, of a shoe polish tin, took a few threads from The youngest son of Rav received the smallest portion. my thin blanket and made them into a wick. Shlomo Zalman Unsdorfer “If you are dissatisfied,” Benzi would When everything was ready I hastily joined Hy’d, a Rav and Maggid in shout angrily, “go and join another table, the table to eat my dinner before I invited all where they have scales and judges.” our friends to the Chanukah Light Kindling Pressburg, he clung to the Nobody left our table. ceremony. Suddenly, as I was eating my faith his father had taught Benzi was enthusiastic about my idea. soup, I remembered we had forgotten about him as he lived through “Yes, we should get a Chanukah light matches. the wartime horrors, often burning,” he said. “It will boost our morale I whispered to Benzi. and lighten the atmosphere. Work on a plan, “Everyone must leave a little soup,” Benzi risking his life to fulfil but be careful.” ordered his hungry table guests, and told the mitzvos. Two problems had to be overcome: oil them why. One of the many had to be “organised”, and a place had to Within five minutes, five portions of be found where the lighted wick would not soup were exchanged in the next room for life-saving miracles he be seen. a cigarette. The cigarette was “presented” experienced occurred There was no lack of oil in the factory, to the chef, Josef, for lending us a box of at Chanukah at Nieder- but how could we smuggle even a few drops matches without questions. into our barrack in time for Monday evening, Orschel, a camp where And so, as soon as dinner was over I December 11, the first night of Chanukah? made the three traditional blessings, and a he was put to work in an We knew, of course, that Jewish law did little Chanukah light flickered away slowly aeroplane factory making not compel us to risk our lives for the sake under my bunk. Not only my friends from of fulfilling a commandment. But there was the “religious” table were there with us, but wings for the Wehrmacht. an urge in many of us to reveal the spirit also many others from the room joined us in The below passage is of sacrifice implanted in our ancestors humming the traditional Chanukah songs. excerpted from his book, in throughout the ages. We who were in such These songs carried us into the past. As if great spiritual as well as physical distress on a panoramic screen, we saw our homes, which he describes what felt that a little Chanukah light would warm with our parents, brothers, sisters, wives, took place. our starving souls and inspire us with hope, and children gathered round the beautiful Excerpted by Simche Goitein 19 from The Yellow Star by S.B. Unsdorfer z’l Simche Goitein welcomes comments at [email protected]

silver candelabras singing happily the Maoz Tzur. That tiny little light under my bunk set out hearts ablaze. Tears poured down our haggard cheeks. By now, every single inmate in the room sat silently on his bunk, or near mine, deeply meditating. For a moment, nothing else mattered. We were celebrating the first night of Chanukah as we had done in all the years previous to our imprisonment and torture. We were a group of Jewish people fulfilling our religious duties, and dreaming of home and of bygone years. But alas! Our dream ended much too soon. A roar of “Achtung” brought our minds back to reality, and our legs to stiff attention. “The Dog” – that skinny little Unterschaarfuehrer – stood silently at the door as he often did on his surprise visits, looking anxiously for some excuse, even the slightest to wield his dog-whip. Suddenly he sniffed as loudly as his Alsation, and yelled: “Hier stinkts ja von Oehl!” (“It stinks of oil in here!”). My heart missed a few beats as I stared down at the little Chanukah light flickering away, while “The Dog” and his Alsation began to parade along the bunks in search of the burning oil. The Unterschaarfuehrer silently began his search. I did not dare bend down or stamp out the light with my shoes for fear the Alsation would notice my movements and leap at me. I gave a quick glance at the death-pale faces around me, and so indeed did “The Dog”. Within a minute or two he would reach our row of bunks. Nothing could save us...but suddenly… Suddenly a roar of sirens, sounding an air raid, brought “The Dog” to a stop and within seconds all lights in the entire camp were switched off from the outside. “Fliegeralarm! Fliegeralarm!” echoed throughout the camp! Like lighting I snuffed out the light with my shoes and following a strict camp rule, we all ran to the open ground, brushing “The Dog” contemptuously aside. “There will an investigation…There will be an investigation,” he screamed above the clatter of rushing prisoners who fled out into the Appell ground. But I did not worry. In delight I grabbed my little Menorah and ran out with it. This was the sign, the miracle of Chanukah, the recognition of our struggle against the temptations of our affliction. We had been helped by G-d, even in this forsaken little camp at Nieder-Orschel. Outside, in the ice-cold, star-studded night, with the heavy drone of Allied bombers over our heads, I kept on muttering the traditional blessing to the G-d who wrought miracles for His people in the past days and in our own time. The bombers seemed to be spreading these words over the host of heaven.” From Nieder-Orschel, Simche Unsdorfer was put on a death march to Buchenwald. He survived the march and was liberated from Buchenwald in 1945. After a brief stay in his hometown of Pressburg, he moved to England, where he became a well-known and respected personality in the Torah world through his selfless work for the Aguda and his prolific writing. He passed away on 4 Kislev 1967 at the young age of 42 from a heart condition which he had contracted in the camps. The month of Kislev marked his 50th yahrtzeit. Yehi zichro baruch. Rabbi Boruch 20 Boudilovsky Rav of Young Israel of North Netanya ANSWERS The Author can be contacted at [email protected] 1. At the end of Parshas Mikeitz, in addition to listing the usual number of pesukim, it unusually adds the number of words in an unusual manner. It says 2000 and 25 words. The Bnei Yisosschor sees in this an allusion to Chanukah. The minimal requirement is for one candle on each of the eight nights of Chanukah. Ner, candle, has the gematria of 250 for the eight nights equals 2000. The 25 alludes to Chanukah: Resisting Chanukah happening on the 25th day of Kislev. The Shiltei Geborim (Shabbos) brings an allusion to (Mikeitz, 43:16) that means slaughtering meat and preparing וטבח טבח והכן it. On Chanukah there is an inyan to have festive meals the Hand of a Brother and thank Hashem for the miracles. In this phrase the last and the gematria of the other letters is 36 חנוכה The moment of unimaginable fear during 33:12). Esav encouraged Yaakov to journey letters spell alluding the 36 candles lit during Chanukah. If you take which Yaakov would vulnerably confront his together as brothers thereby enabling a cultural the gematria of the first two words you get 44 alluding to brother Esav after years of escape, was quickly merge which would ultimately undermine the 36 Chanukah lights plus the eight shamoshim. 2. Paro’s advisors interpreted his dreams as having to do with and dreadfully approaching. For Yaakov Yaakov’s identity. However, as Yaakov hoped his personal life – e.g. he would have seven daughters and everything and everyone was at risk. In moving and prayed for, the meeting led to no physical then they would die. However, Yosef’s interpretation was based on the king representing his whole country. (Sifsei words, Yaakov prayed to Hashem ‘Rescue me, violence or cultural cohesion. On that same Chachomim to Rashi, 41:8) Additionally, true words have please, from the hand of my brother, from the day, the Torah emphasizes, Esav and Yaakov certain ring of recognition to them (see Gemara Sota 19b). hand of Esav, for I fear him […]’ (Bereshis 32:12). separated (Bereshis 33:16 – 17). Chazal also say that Paro with the dream also saw the interpretation which he then forgot. However, when the Raav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik (1820 – 1892), in Our sages consistently read the Torah’s correct interpretation was said then he remembered that this was indeed what he had seen. the Beis Halevi, explores the seemingly strange accounts of the founding fathers and mothers of 3. Yosef was released from prison on Rosh Hashana. (Gemara choice of words in Yaakov’s prayer. Yaakov did our nation as a model to later events in Jewish Rosh Hashana 10b) not ask ‘Rescue me, please, from the hand of history ‘Ma’ase avos siman laBanim’. Yaakov’s 4. Osnas, was the daughter of Dena conceived from Shechem. (Pirkei DeReb Eliezer Chapter 38) However, my brother Esav […]’. Instead, Yaakov prays for twofold level of vulnerability emerging from two when the brothers threatened to kill her, Yaakov hung a rescue from two hands, the hand of his brother radically different types of threat, teaches us of Kemiya around her neck stating: “Whoever marries this girl marries someone from Yaakov’s family.” (Maseches and the hand of Esav. He suggests that in his the two sources which potentially endanger Sofrim) and placed her outside under a bush, into the safe- appeal, Yaakov shrewdly identified two separate Jewish existence. The enemies of the Jewish keeping as it were, of Hashem Himself. She was eventually threats. One danger would emerge as the hand people have often adopted the strategic ‘hand taken down to Egypt and adopted by Potifar. 5. (42:24) Shimon was taken. Rashi (ibid) explains it was to of Esav. A second danger could arise in the of Esav’ to literally kill us. In other times, we separate Shimon from Levi since together they were lethal form of a brother’s hand. Thus, Yaakov hoped were threatened not by bloodshed but by the as seen with the city of Shechem. Why pick Shimon more for deliverance from each threatening ‘hand’. voluntary abandonment of Jewish identity in than Levi? Since Shimon had thrown Yosef into the pit. 6. The Angel Gavriel came and taught Yosef all seventy Indeed, when Yaakov’s fear is described earlier, response to a friendly invitation extended by the languages (Gemara Sota 36b). This was in addition to two adjectives are used, ‘Yaakov became very ‘hand of a brother’ to assimilate. The two non- Loshon Hakodesh that Yosef already spoke. frightened, and it distressed him’ (Bereshis 32:8). biblical ‘DeRabonon’ annual Jewish festivals, 7. Yosef was appointed when he was 30 years old (41:45). He lived until 110 (50:26). This means that he was in this These two images of fear might correspond to celebrate Jewish continuity in defiance of one position for 80 years. these two sources of danger. of these two threats. Purim celebrates our 8. The Gemara Sota 36b brings that the advisers of Paro asked Paro this and he said that they would test him to see The hand of Esav is a physical assault on victory over the danger of physical annihilation. if he was someone special. The test was to see if he spoke Yaakov and his family. The hand of a brother, Chanukah remembers our religious resilience all seventy languages. The Malach Gavriel taught him and and determination to maintain our Jewish with Hashem’s help he spoke all seventy languages. however, is a cultural threat in which Esav 9. Other people did. However, Hashem made a special approaches Yaakov as a friendly sibling, thereby commitment despite an almost irresistible miracle that only the produce stored by Yosef kept while attracting and inviting Yaakov and his family to Hellenistic campaign. all the other’s went off. 10. The Ramban (41:2) brings that the cows symbolise adopt Esav’s lifestyle. Yaakov’s existence is thus Last century, our people endured the horrific ploughing of fields while the stalks allude to the time of endangered in both scenarios. Yaakov, therefore, abuse of both the hand of Esav and the hand of harvesting both signifying the years of plentiful. 11. Paro appointed Yosef when he was thirty and he was sold responded by addressing each threat separately a brother. Nazi Germany planned the complete by the brothers when he was seventeen. He also worked in his prayer. physical extermination of our nation leading to for Potifar before he was imprisoned. The Seder Olam the murder of millions, and communist Russia brings that Yosef was in Potifar’s house for one year and Esav greeted Yaakov with four hundred men in prison for twelve years. Others learn that he was in (Bereshis 32:7), a possible indication of the mercilessly banned all religious activity, thereby Potifar’s house for ten years and three years in prison. violent confrontation Esav might have originally erasing Jewish identity from the millions of Jews 12. Yosef knew that the Jews would come to settle there. He did not want them in the future to be embarrassed doing planned. However, after abandoning his living within her borders. Our generation has bris mila. By making everyone have it then this would aggressive strategy, Esav employed the second witnessed the consequential devastation which safeguard it being done also by the Jews. these threats impose as well as the greatness 13. They came to look for Yosef and therefore spread out. option. ‘And he [Esav] said, “Travel on and let Rashi brings so that they should not come altogether and us go – I will proceed alongside you”’ (Bereshis of our nation in our ability to endure, build, and look threatening. thrive.

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