OUTREACH

Miketz 

Lighting up the world

This week’s Torah portion, Miketz, always intersects with the holiday of Chanukah, indicating some dynamic connection between these two significant factors as the Torah portion that we read in a particular time relates specifically and gives us insight into the events of that time period.

Light is the concept and metaphor that gives us insight into the purpose of creation. The opening verse of the Torah begins with the first proclamation of G-d’s creation as “Almighty G-d said let there be light and there was light”.

The sun and moon and celestial luminaries were only created on the fourth day, so what light was there on the first day and what was the reason creating light as nothing was there to enjoy the light?  Scientists, theorists, philosophers and physicists always question the fundamental issues of how G-d created the world.  Was it via the Big Bang, evolution or otherwise? Or when did G-d create the world?  Is the world 5782 years old, as we believe, or is it hundreds of millions or more years old?  Both of those questions are seemingly irrelevant as they make zero difference in our lives. The most important question is why? Why did G-d create a universe as the Perfection of all does not need anything or miss anything to fulfill Himself?

The answer is “let there be light”.  The objective of G-d’s creation is to create a world where darkness is seemingly able to prevail, and our purpose is to bring light to dispel the darkness and transform it to light.

It is, in fact, a reference to the ultimate redemption with Moshiach when, as the prophet Isaiah tells us, “The Nation of Israel will be a light to the nations” and “The light of Almighty G-d via the Jewish people will be a flame of fire.”

The Rebbe, in his unprecedented level of global leadership and universal perspective, has brought the light of G-dliness and spirituality to the entire world in a way that has never happened before.  Menorahs filled with light illuminate every major city in the world in their most important locations in front of Palaces and governmental headquarters, public areas and the streets of every country and city, permeating and illuminating the entire globe.

On my way to a Chanukah meeting at a prison in Miami, traversing local streets and highways, I passed by three or four cars with Menorahs on the roofs and many public squares and locations proclaiming with pride, strength, power and G-dly energy “let there be light”.

Our holy ancestor Joseph sanctified the degenerate environment of Egypt bringing them to a higher level of awareness, emphasizing that Almighty G-d is in charge, bringing light to a society imprisoned by their idolatrous, hedonistic patterns and illuminating even the jails and prisons of that society by proclaiming with pride “that it is Almighty G-d that gives you the answers to your dreams and to your future.

So too are we bringing light to the world that realizes and accepts the sovereignty of Almighty G-d and joins us in our homage and respect to Hashem’s presence.

We are Hashem’s torches and Lamplighters. Let us make sure we take that responsibility seriously and fulfill that merit and Divine mission. Have an illuminated Chanukah, a great Shabbos and wonderful week.

Sholom D. Lipskar

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