Small town, big light

We often talk about how one little light makes all the difference in a world of darkness, especially in the context of lighting the menorah during Chanukah. All it takes is one candle and the darkness is already gone.

We also find this concept in the story of Joseph’s rise to power in Egypt. Joseph, who had been unjustly thrown into prison, suddenly finds himself standing before Pharaoh. Pharaoh is troubled by dreams of seven fat cows being swallowed by seven thin cows and seven healthy ears of grain devoured by thin ones. Joseph, with G-d’s help, interprets the dreams: Egypt will have seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. He advises Pharaoh to store food during the good years to prepare for the hard times ahead. Pharaoh is so impressed with Joseph’s wisdom that he appoints him as second-in-command over all of Egypt.

This story is not just about Joseph’s incredible turnaround—it’s about bringing light into darkness. Joseph could have given up in prison, but he stayed hopeful, trusted in G-d, and used his gifts to help others. When the opportunity arose, Joseph’s wisdom and faith turned a potential disaster into a chance for salvation, not just for Egypt, but for the entire region, and eventually for his own family.

This message is also at the heart of the Chanukah story. During the time of the Maccabees, the Jewish people faced a period of spiritual darkness. The Greeks tried to force them to abandon their faith, desecrating the Holy Temple and outlawing Torah study. Against all odds, a small group of Jews fought back and reclaimed the Temple. When they went to light the menorah, they found only one small jar of pure oil—enough for just one day. Miraculously, it burned for eight days, until new oil could be prepared.

Like Joseph’s story, Chanukah teaches us that even in the darkest times, a small light can illuminate the way. The Maccabees didn’t wait for perfect conditions—they acted with faith, and G-d did the rest. Their courage reminds us that when we take even the smallest steps to bring light into the world, G-d multiplies our efforts.

There’s another connection between the account of Joseph's rise and Chanukah. Joseph’s interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams wasn’t just about surviving the famine—it was about planning ahead and using the abundance of the good years wisely. Similarly, Chanukah reminds us that our actions now can light the way for the future. When we light the menorah, we don’t just illuminate our own homes; the menorah is placed in a window or doorway to share its light with the world.

Both Joseph and the Maccabees teach us to be proactive. Joseph stored grain during the years of plenty, and the Maccabees rededicated the Temple even when they had so little to work with. Their stories show us that even when we face overwhelming challenges, we can still bring light into the world through our actions, faith, and determination.

As you light the menorah this Chanukah, think about Joseph standing before Pharaoh, and the Maccabees kindling the menorah in the rededicated Temple. Let their stories inspire you to bring your own light into the world, no matter how dark it may seem.

Whether it’s helping someone in need, praying regularly, or standing up for what we believe in, we all have the power to bring a little more light into the world. Just like Joseph in Egypt and the Maccabees in Jerusalem, we can transform darkness into light, one small act at a time.