Vayeshev & Hanukkah: Overcoming Mountains with Faith.

Jack Levy
Dec 6, 2023
8 min read

Joseph, Januka & Viktor Frankl

Every year, as if it were divinely orchestrated, Parashá Vayeshev coincides with the festival of Hanukkah. This coincidence is not merely random; both moments on our Jewish calendar are infused with dreams and miracles. On one hand, we have the story of Hanukkah, with its miraculous oil that burned for eight days; on the other hand, the narrative of Joseph, a tale of prophetic dreams and unexpected twists of fate. In this exploration, we will journey through these stories, discovering how each illuminates profound aspects of our spiritual and daily experience.

Everything a person has (whether much or little) is what they need to overcome that mountain that terrifies them. When we internalize this, it becomes easier to thank the Eternal for what one has (even with problems); It's all a matter of perception, think of it this way:

Hanukkah - The Struggle and the Light

At the heart of the Hanukkah holiday lies a story of resistance, faith, and the triumph of light over darkness. The story begins in a turbulent era for the Jewish people. Dominated by the powerful Seleucid Empire, they faced relentless oppression that sought to eradicate their identity and religious practices. It was in this challenging context that the spark of rebellion emerged, ignited by the Maccabean family.

The victory of the Maccabees over the Seleucids was, in itself, an extraordinary event. A small and seemingly weak group overcame a much larger and powerful enemy. This triumph serves as a powerful reminder that faith and determination can prevail even against the most overwhelming odds.

But the heart of the Hanukkah story lies in the miracle of the oil. After reclaiming the Temple in Jerusalem, the Maccabees found a small jar of oil, enough for only one day. However, in an act of faith, they lit the Temple menorah with this oil. Miraculously, the oil burned for a full eight days, enough time to prepare more consecrated oil. This miracle symbolizes the light of hope and divine presence, enduring even in the darkest moments.

The lit menorah becomes a powerful symbol of resistance and faith. In the darkness of oppression, a small and fragile flame remained burning, defying all expectations. This miracle teaches us that even when we face great challenges, when our reserves of strength and hope seem depleted, an unexpected light can emerge to guide and sustain us.

Hanukkah is, therefore, a celebration of survival and perseverance. Each year, as we light the candles of the menorah, we not only remember an ancient miracle but also the ongoing capacity of the human spirit to overcome adversity. The candles illuminate not only our homes but also our souls, reminding us that faith, even as small as a jar of oil, can bring light to the deepest darkness.

This part of the Hanukkah story sets a framework for exploring how, in times of despair and struggle, even the slightest glimmer of hope or miracle can have a transformative impact on our lives. It prepares us to look more deeply into the stories of Yosef and Viktor Frankl, seeking parallels and lessons that we can apply to our own journey.

"Yosef in the Well - Dreams and Signs

The story of Yosef, detailed in the Parasha Vayeshev, takes us on a path of prophetic dreams, betrayal, and ultimately, redemption. The narrative begins with a young Yosef, beloved by his father but envied by his brothers. His dreams, which foreshadowed his future rise above his family, only exacerbated tensions. In an act of jealousy and desperation, his brothers throw him into an empty well, a place of darkness and isolation, symbolizing a deep fall both literally and metaphorically.

What follows is a surprising twist in the story. Yosef is taken out of the pit, not to be returned to the safety of his home but to be sold to a caravan of Ishmaelite merchants. Here, in this moment of despair, an unusual detail emerges, as pointed out by Rashi in his commentary on Genesis 37:25. While these caravans typically carried unpleasant-smelling spices and balms, the caravan that transported Yosef was loaded with fragrant spices. This detail, though small and easy to overlook, is significant. Amidst his journey into the unknown, surrounded by uncertainty and fear, Yosef finds a sign of comfort, a subtle reminder of divine presence and care.

This moment in Yosef's life reflects a broader truth: in our darkest moments when we seem to be trapped in the "pit" of our own struggles and challenges, unexpected signs of hope and guidance can emerge. These signs, no matter how small, remind us that we are not alone in our adversity. For Yosef, the pleasant fragrance was a beacon of light in the darkness, a hint that his story was far from over and that there was a greater purpose in his trials.

Just like in the story of Hanukkah, where a small jar of oil became a symbol of resilience and faith, Yosef's experience teaches us to be attentive to the "sparks" of light in our own lives. These sparks can come in unexpected ways and at times when we need them most, offering comfort and reminding us that there is a larger divine plan at play.

Viktor Frankl and the Search for Meaning

The story of Viktor Frankl, an Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist and a Holocaust survivor, offers a contemporary and profound perspective on finding light in the darkest moments. Frankl, who endured the atrocities of Nazi concentration camps, faced unimaginable challenges, but his experience and reflections provide a powerful testament to human resilience and the importance of seeking meaning even in the most extreme adversity.

In his seminal book, "Man's Search for Meaning," Frankl describes how, amidst unspeakable suffering, he discovered that the key to survival was finding a purpose. Despite being surrounded by death, hopelessness, and brutality, Frankl clung to the belief that life has inherent meaning and that even in the worst circumstances, one can find reasons to carry on

This search for meaning is parallel to the sparks of light in the stories of Hanukkah and Joseph. Just like the miraculous oil that burned for eight days and the unexpected fragrance in Joseph's caravan, Frankl's ability to find purpose in suffering was a spark of light in a place of overwhelming darkness. His conviction that not everything is random and that there is a greater purpose behind our experiences, even in suffering, offers a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.

Frankl argued that while we cannot avoid suffering, we can choose how to respond to it, find meaning in it, and move forward with renewed purpose. According to Frankl, this choice is the source of our strength. In his case, meaning came from his love for his wife, his commitment to his work, and his desire to share his teachings with the world, even after experiencing personal and collective tragedy.

The story of Viktor Frankl teaches us that in our own metaphorical "concentration camps," whether in the form of personal, professional, or spiritual challenges, we can find signs of hope and purpose. Like the lights of the Hanukkah menorah, our small victories and discoveries of meaning can illuminate the darkest corners of our lives.

Frankl's lesson prepares us for the conclusion of our journey, where we will unite the stories and themes of Hanukkah, Joseph, and Frankl's experience, highlighting how sparks of light and meaning can guide us through any challenge.

Revelation - The Sparks of Divine Faith

The intertwining of the stories of Hanukkah, Joseph, and Viktor Frankl leads us to a profound revelation: in each of these narratives, the small "sparks" of light and meaning are manifestations of divine faith within us. These sparks, whether in the form of miraculously burning oil, an unexpectedly pleasant fragrance, or the search for purpose in the deepest adversity, serve as reminders that there is a greater presence and purpose in our lives.

These moments are not coincidences. They are signals that, even in the deepest darkness, there is divine guidance and a plan. In Joseph's case, the presence of fragrant spices on his path into the unknown was an indication that his story was far from over. For the Maccabees, the oil that kept the menorah lit against all odds was a sign of hope and renewal. And for Frankl, the ability to find purpose in suffering was a light that guided his resilience and future work.

These stories teach us the importance of holding onto faith and hope. No matter how dark our situation may seem, there are always signs of light and guidance if we choose to see them. These sparks serve as reminders that we are protected and guided, and that there is meaning even in the most challenging of trials. They encourage us to seek and find our own purpose, our own light, in our circumstances.

Divine faith within us is revealed in these small signals. They show us that we are not alone in our struggle, that every challenge is an opportunity to grow, and that every dark moment has the potential to reveal a bright light. Like the candles of Hanukkah, these sparks can illuminate not only our path but also the path of those around us, turning trials into testimonies of hope and strength.

Conclusion:

"A person is not obligated to complete the work, but they are not exempt from abandoning it." (Pirkei Avot 2:21).

This principle resonates deeply in the context of our discussions. Just like the Maccabees, Yosef, and Viktor Frankl, we are called to act with perseverance and faith, without the obligation to complete the task, but with the responsibility not to abandon our effort.

Every morning, when reciting the "Mode Ani," we express our gratitude: "I give thanks before you, the living and eternal King, for restoring my soul to me with compassion; great is your trust in me." This morning act is not just a ritual but a recognition of the trust the Creator places in us. It reminds us that if we have been granted a new day, it is because there is a purpose for us, a role to play in the ongoing tapestry of life.

Reflecting on the miracles of Hanukkah, we see not only the triumph of the few against the many but also how a small jar of oil became a symbol of resistance and enduring faith. The light of the Hanukkah menorah is not just a reminder of past miracles but a living symbol of the faith we have in the Creator and, more importantly, the faith He has in us. It shows us year after year that battles are won and challenges are overcome not only with strength, greatness, or numbers but with persistence and the light that has been given to us.

"Even though I walk through the Valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me..." (Psalm 23:4)

This verse encapsulates the essence of our faith and trust, both in times of light and in times of darkness. Just like in Hanukkah, every spark of light we find and every small miracle we experience is a reminder of that constant and caring presence.

So, we face two essential questions:

Do you have enough trust in HIM? And in yourself?

As we reflect on these questions, let us remember that every day, every challenge, every little spark of light, is an opportunity to strengthen that trust, to take the hand of the Creator and walk together towards change and enlightenment, not only in our own lives but in the entire world