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PARSHA
MIKKETZ 07
HANUKKAH SAMEAH!
MY LIGHT
“At the end of two years in time [lit. days] Pharaoh dreamed that he was standing on the Nile” (Gen.41.1)
As the end of our lifespan draws nigh, we look back on our days on earth which seem as but a few years, to realise with dismay that we have dreamt our lives away. Our lives have been like dreams, without substance, without making any headway. For even at this late hour, we stand as on the brink of the Nile, the river of life swiftly passes by. (R Meir of Primishlov, quoted by Al Hatorah)With little to show for our past, what can the future hold in store for us?
The Yod, the initial letter of Yod - The Nile, depicted above as the river of life, may be transferred to the end of the word to read Ori - my light. The Psalmist declares: ‘The Lord is my light and my salvation’ (Ps.27.1)
The flow of the river of life does not end in darkness and nothingness. We may anticipate the light and salvation of G-d. (Nitzuzte Hayahalom)
When we kindle the Hanukkah lights, we commence with one light on the first day, and end with eight on the final day of the Festival. The number 8 symbolises the metaphysical, the spiritual light that lies beyond our physical life.
It is never too late to commence kindling our own light, to illuminate our way and lead us to ultimate salvation.
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