As Heard from Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

Shabbat Chanukah

“The cornerstone which was despised by the builders, became the top (exalted) of the edifice.” (Tehillim 118:22)

This week we say the complete ‘Hallel’ for the full eight days of Chanukah. David Hamelech included this principle in the wealth of thoughts of praise, gratitude and excitement found in Hallel.

Yosef Hatzadeek was at the most desperate point in his career. He was sold into slavery, taken to a foreign land, unjustly accused and thrown into jail for 12 years. “The cornerstone which was despised by the builders.” referring to Yosef who was also rejected by his brothers.

Now Pharoh does something unprecedented, irresponsible and unexpected. He could have just given Yosef a great reward for interpreting the dreams. Pharoh takes the King’s ring off of his finger and puts it on Yosef!! This evokes feelings of wild excitement in us. Yosef is King of Egypt!!

Just like the elation experienced by our Nation at Chanukah when the single flask of oil miraculously stayed lit for 8 days. And also when we saw that suddenly Haman was hanging on the tree and the King’s ring was placed on Mordecai’s finger. All of these revelations by Hashem are indications that “Hashem is with His Jewish People.”

The next verse of the Hallel reveals the true purpose, that of gaining Emunah. “This (unexpected surprise) is from Hashem, it is (meant to be) a wonder in our eyes.” (ibid.188:23)

Hashem operates the world utilizing ’surprises’ throughout history in order to reveal that it is He who manages the affairs of the world with His Providence. Some examples are, Yishmael was older but Yitzchak was chosen. Esav was the first born but Yaacob was the chosen one. Yosef was younger and despised by the Brothers yet through it all Yosef was chosen. David was the youngest and his lineage was suspected however he became King David. The Jewish nation is the most despised and very small in numbers yet we are the Chosen of Hashem and will become “the top of the edifice” at the end.

Shabbat Shalom

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