Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

Parshat Vayeshev introduces the Joseph saga and will be read in its entirety two days prior to Chanukah. We can find some parallels.

Joseph goes down to Egypt and further down to prison before he is raised up to prominence. Similarly, a small vial of oil down to almost nothing miraculously raised itself to last eight days.

Joseph always remembered his heritage even during many years in Egypt. He rejected certain advances made to him because of his faithfulness. Similarly, when many Jews were assimilating and becoming Hellenistic, the Maccabees maintained and restored faith and piety to the Jewish people.

Joseph was the additional child when he was born and the first to Jacob's beloved wife Rachel. The Hebrew of Joseph's name means "to add." Each night of Chanukah, we are "Mosif v' Holaich," as we continuously add a new light to the Chanukiah each night of the Festival.

As we introduce Joseph this week, his story prepares us for the joyous eight days of Chanukah.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison