Dear Friend,
In this week’s Torah portion, Miketz, Pharaoh tells Joseph about his strange dream. He saw himself standing on the riverbank as seven fat cows emerged from the water, followed by seven thin cows that devoured them.
This dream stands in sharp contrast to the dream Joseph had earlier in the Torah. In Joseph’s dream, he and his brothers were out in the field, actively binding sheaves of grain. Pharaoh’s dream shows him passively watching from the sidelines. Joseph’s dream shows him working, gathering, and creating.
The Rebbe pointed out that these two dreams represent two very different views of life.
Pharaoh’s way of thinking is like standing on the riverbank and letting life happen to you. You’re not involved or responsible; you just watch as events unfold. It might seem easier—after all, if you’re not in the field, you don’t have to deal with the effort, anxiety, or responsibility of working hard. But that kind of life lacks meaning and fulfillment.
Joseph’s way of thinking, on the other hand, is about stepping into the field. Life is work, but it’s the kind of work that gives you purpose. It’s about taking all the scattered stalks—the opportunities, talents, and challenges you’re given—and turning them into something whole and meaningful.
How This Connects to Chanukah
This idea ties beautifully into the message of Chanukah. The Greeks, like Pharaoh, wanted the Jewish people to live passively, enjoying the pleasures of life without thinking too deeply about meaning or purpose. They were fine with the Jews being “cultural,” as long as they didn’t live by the Torah’s values or see themselves as partners with G-d in creating something greater.
But the Maccabees chose Joseph’s way. They stepped into the “field,” taking responsibility for their faith, their identity, and their future. It wasn’t easy—they were vastly outnumbered, and victory seemed impossible—but their hard work and trust in G-d brought light into the world.
Thank You for Being Like Joseph
In a world that often encourages us to sit back and go with the flow, you are actively creating light, like the Maccabees. Whether it’s through learning Torah, helping others, or making time for family and community, your efforts bring meaning to the “field” of life.
As we light the menorah this Chanukah, let’s remember the power of stepping into the field, gathering our own “sheaves,” and creating a life filled with purpose. Thank you for all the ways you contribute to that light!
Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom and a bright, joyous Chanukah!
Rabbi Yitzi and Rishi Hein