The custom is that on the Shabbat of Hanukah we read the ‘lights of Zechariah’ as the Haftorah. This prophetic reading, while it mentions the Menorah in the Temple, also has deeper symbolism for this time of year. At the beginning of the Haftorah, we find Satan standing accusing Joshua the High Priest and being rebuked by G-d. Joshua is then divested of his filthy clothes and dressed with fine garments. How are we to understand this scene? Satan, in Jewish theology the contrary voice or ’other side’, is objecting to the restoration of the Jews at the beginning of the Second Temple period. The Jews are mired in various sins and heavily assimilated, as symbolised by the High Priest’s filthy garments. G-d, however, rebukes Satan, showing a deeper understanding of reality. Joshua’s clothes are removed and replaced with others. This demonstrates that the problems with the Jewish people are only external, like dirty garments that can be removed and replaced with others. Underneath, lies the pure nature of Israel, that is eternal and indestructible. This of course is the message of Hanukah. Despite the rampant assimilation to Greek culture that existed at that time, even to the extent of men trying to uncircumcise themselves, there remained underneath a pure Jewish core. This broke forth in the revolt of the Maccabees, and eventually encompassed the whole nation. The small flame that burnt deep in the hearts of even the most assimilated Jews, was ignited into a conflagration that swept away Greek rule. The assimilation to Greek culture was shown to be only an external garment, that given the right circumstances could be changed into something more authentic. This of course is the lesson of Hanukah encapsulated in our Haftorah. This is also a lesson for our time. The Jewish people seem to be faced with tremendous problems and few solutions. Whether on issues of conversion or security, peace or social justice, we seem to be lost sheep without a shepherd. Yet Hanukah teaches us otherwise. Within our people lies the flame of greatness and the potential for great leadership. As in the times of the Maccabees we only need the right spark to ignite it. Then the true nature of our people will be again revealed: at this time as in those days.

ALIYAH BY ALIYAH SYNOPSIS 

Rishon	Pharaoh has dreams he can‘t understand and calls Joseph to interpret them.
Sheni	Joseph explains that 7 years of plenty will be followed by 7 years of famine, so food should be hoarded.
Shelishi	Pharaoh makes Joseph his Vizier and he marries and has children while putting his program into action.
Revi’i	The famine begins and Joseph’s brothers go to Egypt to buy food. He accuses them of being spies.
Chamishi	Joseph imprisons Shimon and demands they bring him Benjamin. Reluctantly Jacob agrees.
Shishi	Joseph is overcome upon seeing Benjamin. After eating lunch together, Joseph hides his goblet in Benjamin’s sack, so he is then accused of theft.
Shevi’i	The Shabbat and Rosh Hodesh Musaf offerings.
Maftir	The Princes’ offering for the 6th day of the Dedication of the Tabernacle.
Haftorah	Zechariah: 2;14-4;7: G-d’s spirit, not physical strength will prevail.

Sidra Statistics

Parshat Miketz

·         has 146 verses ;

·         is the 10th in Genesis, 10th in the Torah

·         5th longest in Genesis, 7th longest in the Torah

·         has no mitzvot.