In this week's Torah portion, the narrative surrounding Joseph continues. He is ruler of Egypt and is approached by his brothers, who is unaware that he is Joseph; their brother.
Many lessons can be learnt from their treatment by him.
He repays them with kindness, by giving them plenty of food. This is despite the fact he had every reason not to! They sold him as a slave, setting in motion the chain of events that caused Joseph much pain and suffering, including languishing in an egyptian jail for several years.
Why did Joseph act with such kindness towards his brothers?
This incident teaches us to convey an important, fundamental principle.
We are taught by the sages in numerous places that "Everything that God does is for the good". Therefore, all the ordeal that Joseph was put through by his brothers was for his and the greater good. Therefore, he owed his brothers a deal of gratitude, for they were the messengers that enabled this good to realised.
This incident teaches us to appreciate the good in the world; however concealed it may be.
And as we see the Channukah candles burning, with the light clearly illuminating the darkness around, it is very easy to see. However, one flick of a lightswitch quickly cancels out the inspiring glow of the candles. It is then, when the candles are just bits of surplus light; that we have to appreicate their beauty.
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