2021/5782
After the dramatic episode of Yosef revealing himself to his brothers, the Torah shifts its focus to Yaakov Avinu. As one could imagine, Yaakov was very excited that he would finally be reuniting with his son, but at the same time, he was nervous about going down to Egypt. Yaakov understood the challenges that awaited him and his family. Yet the Torah describes HaKadosh Baruch Hu’s interaction with Yaakov in a unique way; something that we don’t find with our previous forefathers. The Torah writes “VaYomer Elokim LeYisrael BeMar’ot HaLaylah VaYomer Yaakov Yaakov VaYomer Hineini,” “And Hashem spoke to Yisrael in visions of night and He said, ‘Yaakov, Yaakov,’ and he replied, ‘Here I am’” (BeReishit 46:2). The Torah uses interesting language describing when Hashem appeared to Yaakov. Hashem specifically appears to Yaakov in the “image/vision of night.” The Meshech Chochmah explains beautifully that it is at this time of history that Yaakov Avinu plans on leaving Israel to settle outside of Israel for an extended amount of time. This is really the first time the Jews experience such a phenomenon. This is why Hashem specifically appears to Yaakov at night, contrary to Avraham and Yitzchak, to teach Yaakov that Hashem's presence can also be found outside of Eretz Yisrael. Even while we live in the darkness, Hashem is there with us.
The Meshech Chochmah continues to explain that this idea pertains only to when we adhere to our fathers’ values. As long as we act in the ways of our fathers, Hashem's presence will be with us. This is such a powerful and relevant message on the heels of Chanukah. As the Chanukah lights fade, we are tasked with internalizing the message of Chanukah. It is our responsibility to keep the light going.
I believe there is a practical suggestion as to how we can continue to incorporate the message of Chanakah. Many ask, why is there no Masechet Chanukah? We find with all other holidays a specific tractate that discusses the various laws, yet for the holiday of Chanukah, we only find a few Blat/pages in Masechet Shabbat. Many suggest the holiday of Chanukah represents the Torah SheBa’al Peh, the Oral Torah. Therefore, Chazal decided that since this holiday represents Torah SheBa’al Peh, it would be an oxymoron to write down this text. The message of the Oral Torah is that it is passed from generation to generation. It requires us to continue to do what the previous generation did. Perhaps our commitment to Torah SheBa’al Peh is the key for us as we head into the winter, which represents the darkness. Once we engage in Torah learning and connecting to our Mesorah, we will hopefully then be Zocheh to Hashem's presence in our midst.