Welcome to the Kollel Connection. 
This week we read Parshas Mikaitz.  It is also Shabbos Chanukah, and we would like to share a beautiful thought about Chanukah, heard recently from the famous chief Rabbi of South Africa, Rabbi Warren Goldstein. We know that on Chanukah, 2 miracles occurred. The jug of oil that had only enough oil to last for one day lasted for eight. For this, we celebrate the holiday of Chanukah by lighting the menorah for eight days. However, another miracle also occurred on Chanukah. A small group of 13 men rose up and challenged the most powerful army of the time. Over the course of many years and many battles, they managed to win the war. Certainly this was a miracle that is deserving of note and which requires us to thank G-d for. Why then, do we only light the menorah to commemorate the miracle of the oil, but do nothing to commemorate the miracle of the war?

Rabbi Goldstein offered an amazing and beautiful insight. We find today so many Jewish people and organizations whose sole purpose and identity is to fight against persecution of Jews and anti-Semitism. Certainly it is commendable to stand up to protect Jews and to combat anti-Semitism. However, if the extent of Jewish identity is to combat those who stand against us, this is tragic. Is it possible that one’s relationship with Judaism is just to fight those who oppose us?  Are we only to convey a message to the world that we fight against the negative? Is there nothing that we stand for that is positive? Does Judaism have any positive input and values to share with the world that can impact the world and make it a better place? 

This is the understanding of the difference between these two miracles. The war that we waged was certainly an amazing occurrence that saved our people. However, when we record such an event for eternity , we are only remembering the battle that we did to prevent negative things from happening. When we light the menorah we do much more than that. The message of the light of the oil, which represents the light of the Torah, the light that dispels darkness, that illuminates the entire world, is kindled and ignited. The lessons of the Torah that make us better parents, spouses, people, and community members is recalled. The light of the menorah that inspires us to be better Jews and better servants of G-d, shines in our homes. This is what we recall in our celebration of the holiday, as we try to become better Jews and better people on Chanukah. 


    Please enjoy this link from the Travelling Chassidim with a short message on the Torah Portion:  
https://youtu.be/667LUbqh9jI

Wishing you and your family a Great Shabbos!!!! 

Rabbi Moshe Travitsky
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