Published December 20, 2009
In what serves as a prototype for Am Yisrael, Yosef contributes immeasurably to the welfare of a foreign country - Mitzrayim, in this case - setting the stage for B’nei Yisrael’s first exile when their situation became intolerable (a famine).
We must keep in mind, however, Ya’akov’s resistance to having his sons “go down” (a term repeated numerous times in this parsha!) to buy produce in Mitzrayim, agreeing only because of piku’ach nefesh: “so that we may live and not die” (42:2).
Ya’akov’s fear of uprooting his family to join Yosef is assuaged only after G-d’s promise (46:3,4): “Do not be afraid… I will surely bring you up as well”...
As we observe Chanuka, the Festival of Lights, we remind ourselves again of our obligation to be a “light unto the nations”. As Rav Z. Y. Kook explained, the eight flames of the chanukiya represent Torah, prophecy, wisdom, righteousness, strength, joy, kindness and love. We may justly be proud for having enriched and “enlightened” the world significantly with each of these “lights”, from (and prior to) the time of Yosef, through the valiant battles of the Maccabim, to the present.
Baruch Hashem, today Eretz Yisrael is again a land of plenty, both physically and spiritually. It is hard to find any compelling reason for remaining in a state (States?) of yerida. To the contrary, with the ability (and propensity) of the world to focus on Israel, it behooves us to come Home, where we may best join forces to become a Light unto the Nations once more.
To paraphrase the last words of Miketz: “As for you, go up in peace to your Father.” In this spirit may we soon behold the candelabra of the Beit HaMikdash as described in this Shabbat’s haftara.
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