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Miketz
Genesis 41:1-44:17
Zechariah 2:14-4:7

Master politician, Joseph, vizier of Egypt, set up a sting operation to toy with his brothers who did not recognize their thoroughly Egyptianized sibling whom they had sold into slavery many years before. When the brothers returned to Canaan from their food-purchasing trip to Egypt, the money they had expended to procure foodstuffs turned up inexplicably in their sacks of grain. Jacob suspected chicanery and planned a counteroffensive.

He ordered his sons to return the wrongfully acquired funds, counseling them to say that the money unaccountably came into their possession by mistake, whereupon he additionally instructed them to bring gifts:

"Then their father Israel said to them ... "take some of the choice products of the land [zimrat ha'aretz] in your baggage, and carry them down as a gift for the man [Joseph] — some balm and some honey, gum, ladanum, pistachio nuts, and almonds. And take with you double the money, carrying back with you the money that was replaced in the opening of your bags; perhaps it was a mistake." (Gen. 43:11-12)

A student of Torah may wonder why Miketz, this week's Torah portion, is always read on the Shabbat of Chanukah. Although this may simply be a coincidence, a close reading of the text provides a connection between this Torah portion and the festive celebration, especially at this time of the year when gift giving occupies the minds of many Chanukah celebrants. For example, the previously referred to term, zimrat ha'aretz, usually translated as "choice products," can also mean "a song of the land," reminding Jews that music, the sacred vocabulary of a Jew, is a precious gift (see this use as a word play in Song of Songs 2:12).

During the celebration of Chanukah, this reality is demonstrated by the singing of "Maoz Tzur" — "Rock of Ages" — a memorable melody whose words remind us of the power and eternality of God. Additional Chanukah songs brighten dreary December nights and illuminate the darkness and gloominess so many often feel as the days grow shorter and colder. Furthermore, Psalm 30, titled "a song for the dedication" (Chanukah, in Hebrew) of the Temple, emphasizes the importance of music as a source of rededication, not only at joyous times of celebration, but also during trying times: "God, I cried out to You, and You healed me." (Psalm 30:3)

Jacob sent a song to Joseph because he understood the lasting value of music, a gift that can be enjoyed over and over again. Jacob also recognized that the vizier of Egypt did not need more possessions. Instead Jacob hoped that a subtle message in the form of a melody would remind Joseph of God's benevolence so Joseph might be kindhearted to Jacob's sons. That fact is emphasized by Jacob's prayer for his children returning to Egypt: "May God dispose the man [Joseph] to mercy on your behalf." (Gen 43:14)

Jacob's gift of music serves as a reminder that carefully chosen presents should provide lasting value. By extension, the festival of Chanukah provides an additional screen for making gift selections. Hillel and Shammai once debated the proper way to light the menorah. Shammai suggested starting with eight candles and diminishing one additional candle on each successive night of Chanukah. Conversely, Hillel instructed beginning with one candle on the first night and increasing the number by one candle on each consecutive night.

Hillel based his decision on the principle of maalin bakodesh v'ein moridim —"in sacred matters we must increase holiness rather than decrease it" — a principle that also can serve as a gift-selection guideline. Jews would be wise to follow this menorah-lighting principle as well as Jacob's example in order to select gifts that are lasting, memorable and sacred, gifts that make the provider and recipient feel the power of God's presence at this hallowed time of the year.




Stephen S. Pearce is senior rabbi at the Reform Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco.

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