In Tanach: The greatest story almost never told
This is not the column I intended to write. In fact, I expected to write about the paradox of why the “regular“ haftara from Melachim 1 (for parshat Miketz which, because it almost always falls on Shabbat Chanukah, is superseded by the haftara for Chanukah, from Zechariah). Though it was last recited in 2023 it is not recited this year, and in fact will not be recited again until 2040.
Before 2023, it had been most recently recited in 2000. So it is rare, but I call it the “greatest story” because arguably it is the most popular story in all of Tanach, known by Jews and non-Jews alike. It is the famous story of his eponymous “Solomonic decision” when Shlomo Hamelech is confronted by two women claiming the same baby.
His brilliant tactic of threatening to slice the baby in half reveals the real mother and results in true justice. It also establishes Shlomo Hamelech’s reputation for extraordinary wisdom.
But as I write this, it is mere hours since news of the horrific terrorist attack in Sydney Australia. At last count, 15 have been brutally murdered, including the Chabad Shaliach, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, zt”l, Hashem Yikom Damam, and dozens were injured. Like all of you, I am depressed, angry, upset and frustrated.
How do you celebrate the Festival of Lights, Chag Urim, when there is so much darkness and hate that surrounds us? How do you enjoy stuffing yourself with latkes and sufganiyot, play dreidel with your kids or grandkids, ply them with Chanukah gelt, attend Chanukah parties, when one is so suffused with sadness? How do you say Hallel with kavana, when you feel like crying out to Hashem, “ad matai — for how long?!”
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The answer is not simple and the process is not easy, but something that has helped me is another piece of “news,” a video on social media of six young hostages in Gaza lighting Chanukah candles, singing neirot halalu and maoz tsur, despite being held in barbaric captivity.
Watching them, gaunt, unwashed and unshaven, yet with a determination and strength that seems incomprehensible, fulfilling the mitzvah of lightning Chanukah candles, and sanctifying G-d’s name.
One is filled simultaneously with incredible pride for them, as well as intense heartbreak, because we know the terrible end result of their captivity. Yet, most decisively, it demonstrates to us all, this is what it means to be a Jew.
The whole world may be against us, they want to and will kill us, yet despite it all, lamrot hakol, we will stand up, be proud, like Mattityahu did centuries ago and say “Mi lashem ailai! — whoever is with Hashem, come to me!” It is in our DNA.
When you watch what these incredible young people — Hersh Goldberg-Polin and his five comrades — did under the most extreme circumstances, how can you not celebrate Chanukah, light the candles, sing the songs? As has been often said, better to light a candle, then curse the darkness. Or as the Lubavitcher Rebbe, zt”l, said, even a single candle’s light can be seen far and wide in total darkness.
I always thought those words were nice sentiments but not realistic. I see now the wisdom that they contain.
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Returning to Solomon and his wisdom, the reason why that haftara portion is the”regular” one for Miketz, is because of the commonality of the Yosef story in the parsha and the story of how young Shlomo, the new King of Israel acquired wisdom.
Both had dreams, and both interpreted their dreams wisely. But most importantly, both realized that their wisdom came not from themselves, but from Hashem.
As Yosef says to Pharaoh, “that is beyond me; it is G-d Who will respond with Pharaoh’s welfare”(Bereishit 41:16).
And Shlomo Hamelech, who requests of Hashem, “may You grant Your servant an understanding heart, to judge Your people, to distinguish between good and evil; for who can judge this formidable people of Yours?” (Melachim1 3:9).
They both understood that true wisdom comes from Hashem.
We see that in this insane world: When G-d’s ethical and moral guidance is rejected, it leads to absolute chaos , barbarism and tragedy.
Besides spreading the light we must spread the wisdom that Hashem has given to us in our Torah. And to borrow from the haftara that we do read on this and most Shabbat Chanukah from Zechariah (4:6): “Lo b’chayil v’lo b’koach, ki im b’ruchi amar Hashem tzvaot (not through army and not through strength, but through My spirit, said Hashem, Master of Legions)”.
Shabbat Shalom v’Chanukah Sameach!
Write: Columnist@TheJewishStar.com
