Defying History

The rise to power of Yosef, was an indication that the Jewish people are not like any other nation on earth. This was not even permitted according to Egyptian law that a slave could even wear royal garb.

Yosef was taught seventy languages by the Angel Gabriel, and his wisdom impressed Pharoah to such an extent, that the rules were changes so that Yosef could be appointed to his position.

Rav Kook wrote that this was the beginning of a trend that would show that the rules of history do not apply to Am Yisrael. It was also an indication that the Jewish people are למעלה מן הטבע, above nature.

This would mean that throughout our history, the laws of nature would change for us. The sea would split, the sun would stand still, horrible plagues would visit our enemies, fires would come down from the sky, etc.

This is what prompted Rav Yakov Emden to say that a greater miracle than the splitting of the Red Sea, has been the survival of the Jewish people, after a long and bitter exile.

The holiday of Chanukah, celebrates similar miracles. The cruse of oil that lasts eight days, instead of one; the great military victory of the few over the many, are examples of this uniqueness of the Jewish people.

We add the expression, בימים ההם בזמן הזה, referring to Chanukah and to the present time. “As it was in those days, so it shall be in these days.”

How great it is to be a part of this great nation. Am Yisrael Chai!