Two Minute Torah Podcast

Miketz 5769 by Rabbi James Lebeau

Shalom. My name is Jim Lebeau and I am Rabbi and Director of the United Synagogue Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center. Welcome to Koach's Two-Minute Torah, a project of the College Department of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. I'm pleased to present a dvar Torah on Parshat Miketz, which is the Shabbat of Hanukkah.

Joseph's ascension to power in Egypt is quite remarkable. Though a foreigner, he becomes second to Pharoah as a reward for warning of the approaching famine. He is given a wife and all the trappings of authority.

In Gen 41:50 two sons, Menashe and Ephraim, are born to Joseph. Resh Lakish, a 3rd century teacher, suggests that Joseph planned their births before the famine begins because personal pleasures would be diminished during the difficult years ahead. Though his position might spare him personally the effects of the famine, Joseph identified with suffering of the Egyptians and his family in Canaan. Based on this insight the Talmud teaches that a Jew must never separate himself from the difficulties of his community. Improving the world (tikun olam) and helping the poor and unfortunate (gemilut chasadim/tsdaka) are responsibilities all Jews bear.

Hanukkah also relates to this theme of community participation During the Greek-Syrian period the Jews banded together as a community to fight persecution. In the Second Book of Maccabees we learn that Hannah and her seven sons refused to violate the laws of Judaism publicly lest their actions lead others astray. Have we achieved such faith? Have we accepted the value of the unity of the Jewish people? May we be prepared to subordinate our personal interests for the good of the community!