Tidbits of Torah

      Miracles and Moments       

  Shabbat Parashat VaYeshev

Dear Friends, 

We are about to celebrate Chanukah (beginning Tuesday night)…and miracles. Whether it is the miracle of the victory of the Maccabees (the victory of the few over the many) who fought for religious freedom; or the miracle of the purified oil that burned long enough to allow for the production of more oil fit for use in the Temple – we are certainly celebrating miracles when we light the Chanukiyah (the Chanukah Menorah)!

But, apart from the huge communally celebrated miracles, there are also “moments” in life that are nothing less than “small miracles.” These “moments” too are cause for celebration.

In our weekly Torah portion, as Joseph searches for his brothers, Joseph meets an unidentified man in the field. This man points Joseph in the right direction.

How many times have we been “pointed in the right direction” by some small seemingly insignificant interaction with another human being? How many times have we been “clued in” to the meaning of our lives by some chance comment made by a person we don’t even know…?

These “moments” in life – these “small miracles” – are as special as the huge communally celebrated miracles. They are as significant as the light of the Chanukiyah that reminds us that even in the darkest of times, we should never give up on increasing the light in the world around us and in our own personal lives as well.

As we approach Shabbat, and soon after that Chanukah, let’s celebrate both the “miracles” and the “moments” that add meaning and light to our lives and to the lives of those around us.

I take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a Chag Chanukah Sameach – a joyous and happy Chanukah!!!

Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Gilah Dror