RECOGNITION

“Yosef recognised his brothers but they did not recognise him” (Gen.42.8)



A person who is sitting in the dark sees only that which is outside where everything is bathed in light. In contrast, a person standing in the sun cannot make out what is going on in a dark spot.

Yosef recognised his brothers because they were standing in the light, but his brothers did not recognise him because he was sitting in the shade and his features were not discernible. (Sefat Emet)



Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated in Yerushalayim during mid-winter when the days are short and dull. The Hanukkah lights are kindled after darkness has set in. In this darkness, we the celebrants are able to recognise in the light of the Hanukkiah the greatness of the hand of G-d who at all times works miracles and wonders for his People Israel, delivering and saving them again and again from the hands of those who hate and envy them.



For those dwelling in the darkness of the Golah - exile, this lamp is a symbol of hope that the light of redemption will soon dawn.