B"H

Friday, Kislev 20, 5778 / December 8, 2017

This Shabbat we read Parshat Vayeishev. In this Parsha, the Torah tells about Yaakov's special love for Joseph and the jealousy it caused among the other children. Although Yaakov justified this love with the fact that Joseph was orphaned from his mother Rachel, yet, our sages tell us that one must not favour one child over the others. 

The jealousy that resulted caused the brothers to sell Joseph to the Egyptians. This Parsha also contains many of the trials which Joseph endured in Egypt, including how he spent years in an Egyptian jail. With Joseph's arrival in Egypt, G-d paved the way for the exile of the Jewish people there, which lasted for 210 years.

Also, as mentioned yesterday, the 19th and the 20th of Kislev are especially festive days in the Chabad Chassidic community. On these days in 5559 (1798), Rabbi Schneur Zalmen, the first Rebbe of Chabad, was liberated from prison. Imprisoned by the Czarist government of Russia and threatened with a death sentence for his teachings of Torah and Chassidus, he was released after being jailed for 53 days.

The Russian Minister of culture was well versed in the Bible (Torah) and was impressed with the wisdom of Rabbi Schneur Zalmen. Although not Jewish, he would often visit Rabbi Schneur Zalmen in prison and had many discussions with him concerning the teachings of the Torah.

Once he asked Rabbi Schneur Zalmen the following question, "The Torah relates that after Adam sinned by eating the forbidden fruit he tried to hide from G-d.  G-d then asked Adam 'Where are you?' (Genesis 3:9). What is the meaning of the question 'Where are you?'" the minister asked.  "Doesn't G-d know everything? He surely knew where Adam was."

Rabbi Schneur Zalmen replied, "Do you believe that the Torah is everlasting and that its teachings apply in every generation?"  "Yes, I believe this," answered the minister.

"As descendants of Adam this question is directed to each and every person in every generation," said the Rebbe to the Minister. "G-d asks every person, Where are you in your accomplishments in life? Where are you in the fulfillment of your obligations and purpose of your creation?  This is G-d's continuous and eternal question to mankind, doyou know where you are."

The Chanukah candles, which are to illuminate the darkness, also serve to illuminate our purpose and mission in this world. They remind us of this important message. They shed brightness and light in the confusion of darkness and the hustle bustle of our tumultuous life. They enlighten us to stop, remember, and see "where we are in this world." Thus, reminding us to stay focused and to fulfill our special G-dly mission in life to our family, community and the world at large.

SHABBAT SHALOM

Montrealcandle lighting time: 3:53 / Shabbat ends: 5:01