HAFTR HafTorah Chanukah 2021

HAFTRHAFTORAH ‫לעשות‬, ‫ללמד‬, ‫ללמוד‬

HAFTR

HIGH SCHOOL

NOVEMBER 2021 • CHANUKAH EDITION

‫תשפ״ב‬ ‫כסלו‬ MARCH 2020 • PURIM EDITION

HASHEM COUNTS DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR

By Jeffrey Zelmanovich, HAFTR 2023 The Haftorah of Parshat Vayeshev can be found in the book of Amos 2:6-3:8.

Around School...p.2

Editors Hannah Goldenberg Devorah Gottesman Ethan Rabinowitz Corey Listman Junior Editors Nathan Deutsch Sydney Schneider Haylee Soshtain Contributors Mrs. Hindy Feder Abbi Kammerman Meir Farkas Elisabeth Gurtman Eliana Perl Dasi Well Jeffrey Zelmanovich Faculty Advisors Mrs. Alexa Gelnick Rabbi Ira Wallach Artwork Kaitlin Pollack

Please feel free to contact us at haftorah@haftr.org

The Haftorah of Vayeshev is a very unique story and includes a profound lesson - the Navi that connects with its Parsha, Parshat Vayeshev. The story starts off with Amos, who is sent by Hashem to rebuke B'nai Yisroel for the distortion of justice in their behavior toward the orphaned, widowed, and poor. Amos does not only tell the wrongdoings of Klal Yisroel, but he also shares the punishments along with them. Although the retribution for wrongdoing is barely unique among other prophets, Amos’ prophecy had some very unique and special differences. Rather than focusing on Klal Yisroel’s idolatrous ways, as did most of the prophets who shared Amos’s work, he offers a rhetorical critique of the relationships between the people among Klal Yisroel. Later on, Amos asks all these interesting questions: “Can two people walk together without having previously met? Does a lion roar in the forest when he has no prey? Does a great beast let out a cry from its den without having made a capture?” All of these questions have something in common-- they are proving an important and key lesson of the story: When Hashem punishes us, we will see that it is our own actions that brought about Hashem's anger.

Amos explains the way the wealthy in Israel hurt and oppress the poor. There are various pasukim that outline the treatment of the poor by the rich. The book of Amos can be of great use for modern social activists, as it can further highlight the many points they advocate. Amos says that greed among Klal Yisroel has led to profanity of God's name. Wealthy people are in front of God's presence while wearing clothing they have taken unjustly from the poor. Other acts include taxing the poor, in order for the rich to “ buy wine” for “holy purposes.” Amos also recalls all the good God has done for us--for example, taking them out of the land of Egypt and destroying the Amorites. Moreover, Amos claims, God appointed prophets among Israel to show the people the right path, so that they would not sin. Still, Klal Yisroel refused to listen. Klal Yisroel’s unjust behavior and stubborn refusal to acknowledge our sins will be punished severely, Amos tries to warn us constantly. Even the swiftest, strongest warriors will not be able to escape on the day of God’s decisions.

The Haftorah of Vayeshev is connected to its Parsha through its main theme. The story of Yosef being sold is a prime example of injustice. The brothers not only kidnapped Yosef and sent him away to a foreign people but they accepted money for it. This is no different than the wealthy who not only took money from the poor through taxes, but also used it to purchase wine. The money the brothers accepted for Yosef is nothing but selfish and self-regarding. Regardless of what the brothers say and claim, the act they did was unjust. So too were the acts of the wealthy that hurt the poor in the times of Amos. Therefore, Amos’ critique of Klal Yisroel’s brutal behavior and relationships has a direct connection to the Parsha with which it is read.

Parsha/Chanukah/Thanksgiving

By The Numbers • • • • • • • •

By Meir Farkas,

HAFTR 2023

112: The number of pasukim in the parsha which is 7.3% of Sefer Bereshit 1558: The number of words in the parsha which is 7.6% Sefer Bereshit 5972: The number of letters in the parsha which is 7.7% Sefer Bereshit 3: The number of times Yosef was sold according to Rashi 11: Number of Stars in Yosef’s dream 17: Age of Yosef when he was sold 2070: The next Thanksgiving weekend that will overlap with Chanukah 36: The number of candles you would need, not including the Shamash, for Chanukah

AROUND SCHOOL

A Dedicated Protector By Abbi Kammerman, HAFTR 2024

We all know the famous machloket between Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai about lighting Chanukah candles. Beit Hillel, whose opinion we follow, says we start with lighting one candle on the first night and end with eight on the last night.

Beit Hillel’s reasoning is “ma’alin bakodesh”we go up in holiness. Beit Shammai says the opposite: We start with eight on the first night and end with one on the last night. Beit Shammai bases this on the decreasing number of parim, bulls, offered each day in the Sukkot sacrifice. But why does Beit Shammai base his opinion to decrease the number of Chanukah candles on the Sukkot sacrifices? What is the connection between cows and candles?

Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, the president of Yeshiva University, recently offered an explanation to this question.

There are many similarities between Chanukah and Sukkot. Both are eight days of hallel and hoda’ah. In Israel, a full Hallel is said on 18 days of the year- the first day of Pesach, Shavuot, eight days of Sukkot and eight days of Chanukah.

Sukkot and Chanukah are the only times that a full Hallel is said multiple days in a row. On both holidays, there is a special emphasis to perform the mitzvot in a

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special, or “mehadrin,” manner. On Chanukah, the essential mitzvah of the nerot is one candle per household per night. But we all perform the mitzvah in a manner in what the Gemara calls “mehadrin min ha’mehadrin”-- that is, each person lights candles and adds one each day in accordance with Beit Hillel (Beit Shammai’s method is also considered mehadrin min ha’mehadrin).

On Sukkot, the Torah commands us to take the Etrog: “pri etz hadar,” and we all try to get the nicest Etrog to enhance the mitzvah. Sukkot celebrates the fact that Hashem watched over us and protected us in the desert. A theme of Chanukah, likewise, is that Hashem protected us and led us to victory over the Syrian Greeks.

Although there is much focus on the miracle of the oil, the rededication of the Beit Hamikdash is central to Chanukah. Of course the word Chanukah means “dedication.” When Shlomo Hamelech dedicated the Beit Hamikdash, it took place on Sukkot. Sukkot therefore became associated with the dedication of the Beit Hamikdash. That is the connection between Chanukah and Sukkot. There are so many similarities between the two holidays and that is why Beit Shammai associates cows with candles.

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HAFTR HAFTORAH • CHANUKAH EDITION

CHANUKAH

TRIVIA

Meir Farkas, HAFTR 2023

1. According to the Talmud how many gifts should one give on Chanukah?

2. The Maccabees were led by the sons of the Kohen Matityahu. How many sons did he have?

3. The sefer that contains many stories of the history of Chanukah is called?

4. What does the tefilah Al Hanissim offer thanks for?

5. Where should the Menorah be placed?

6. How many blessings are said when lighting Chanukah candles? (other than the first night) 7. What is the Hebrew date of Chanukah?

8. How many candles did the menorah in the Beis Hamikdash have?

9. In which direction do you light the menorah, once the candles have been placed?

10. What tefilah is said during the lighting of the menorah?

11. How long do the candles need to burn for?

12. On Friday night, which candles are lit first, Shabbat candles or Chanukah candles?

13. What is sung after the menorah is lit?

14. Which tefilah is said on all eight days of both Chanukah and Sukkot?

15. If one finishes Shmoneh Esrei and forgets Al ha-Nissim what should they do?

ANSWERS 1. No presents are mandated by the Talmud 2. Five 3. Megilat Chashmonaim 4. Hashem’s role during Chanukah 5. In a window or at the entrance of one’s home 6. 2 7. 25th of Kislev 8. 7 9. Left to right 10. Haneiros Hallalu 11. At least a half hour 12. The Chanukah candles are lit first 13. Ma’oz Tzur 14. Whole hallel 15. Don’t repeat Shmoneh Esrei

The Big Family Picture By Eliana Pearl, HAFTR 2023 Typically in the Torah, we see two types of “voices.” The first voice is one of conversation - people talking. The second is that of a narrator - giving directions and explaining what people are thinking, feeling, doing, or seeing. Once in a while, we see a third voice - Ruach Hakodesh. In the Torah, Hashem rarely speaks up in the middle of a scene; however, this week’s parsha is one of the rare occurrences. In this week’s Parsha, Parshat Vayeshev, we see all three of these voices being used when Yaakov sends Yosef to find his brothers in Shchem.

Perek ‫ לז‬pesukim ‫יח‬-‫כ‬: :‫ויראו מרחק ובטרם יקרב אליהם ויתנכלו אתו להמיתו‬ They saw him from afar, and before he came close to them they conspired to kill him. ‫אחיו הנה בעל החלמות הלזה בא‬-‫ויאמרו איש אל‬ They said to one another, “Here comes that dreamer! ‫עתה לכו ונהרגהו ונשלכהו באחד הברות ואמרנו חיה רעה‬ ‫יהיו חלמתיו‬-‫אכלתהו ונראה מה‬ “Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits; and we can say, ‘A savage beast devoured him.’ We shall see what comes of his dreams!”

In this last pasuk, many mefarshim explain the phrase 3

‫ונראה מה־יהיו חלמתיו‬: “We shall see what comes of his dreams” as a sarcastic comment made by Yosef’s brothers. These mefarshim interpret the pasuk as “Let’s see what happens to Yosef’s dreams when he dies in a pit.” However, Rashi says that this comment is not sarcasm, rather, it is Ruach Hakodesh.

Hashem is saying to the reader of these pesukim, “We will see how these dreams are true, but your actions won’t stop them from revealing themselves.” Why is Hashem stopping the scene with this particular line and why in this particular spot?

I think we can learn a very important lesson from ‫ונראה מה־יהיו‬ ‫חלמתיו‬. A lot of times we get lost on our own personal missions.

We get caught in what we want and what we believe is right, and sometimes we forget that Hashem runs the world. We forget that even though we have free choice, in the end Hashem’s plan is what comes to fruition. The brothers were trying so hard to stop Yosef’s dreams from coming true; so much so that they were willing to kill their own brother, in order to do what they believed was right. But along the way, they forgot about God’s plan and the right way to act. We should try our best to stand up for what we believe in, but we cannot forget that we have to act in ways that will fulfill Hashem’s will.

HAFTR HAFTORAH • CHANUKAH EDITION

Chanukah Minhagim “Caloric and Carefree Customs” Mrs. Hindy Feder, Judaic Studies Teacher Chanukah is a favorite holiday for many, and the numerous minhagim of Chanukah contribute greatly to our joyous experience. Reviewing these minhagim and their origins can help enhance our appreciation of them.

The Shulchan Aruch mentions the practice of women refraining from melachah while the candles are lit (at least for the first half hour), and the Rema adds the practice of eating dairy. Both of these minhagim commemorate the role of Yehudit in the Chanukah story. Among the evil decrees of the Greeks were harsh laws against Jewish women. Yehudit took action, with the use of dairy food, to save the women by killing an important Greek leader. Yehudit’s courageous act had a direct impact on the enemy and served to embolden the Maccabees. Eating dairy reminds us of Yehudit’s wisdom and bravery. When women refrain from melachah/creative physical activity, they can use the time to focus on spiritual growth. Perhaps women can reflect on their own potential for leadership, and how Hashem supports leaders like Yehudit and the Maccabees, who are committed to helping our nation.

Eating doughnuts and latkas are two of the most popular Chanukah practices. The minhag to eat doughnuts is brought down as an

ancient custom by the Rambam’s father.

Most commentaries assume that we eat fried foods to remind us of the miracle of the small jug of oil that lasted for eight days. The miracle of the oil takes center stage on Chanukah with the mitzvah of lighting the menorah. Many have wondered why we focus on this miracle as opposed to the miracle highlighted in Al Hanisim: that the few and weaker Jews triumphed over the many strong Greeks. Some explain that the revealed miracle of the oil helped highlight the hidden miracles on the battlefield that may have otherwise been overlooked. Further, it is worth noting that the Greeks had previously desecrated the temple and stopped all services. Perhaps the miracle of the oil was so beloved because it indicated that Hashem was ‘with us’ in our return to His service in the mikdash.

Playing Dreidel is another minhag that is unique to Chanukah. The most common explanation of the dreidel is well-known.

The horrific decrees of the Greeks were aimed at turning us away from Hashem and studying Torah, which was a capital crime. Yet, our ancestors remained steadfast in their commitment to Torah.

They devised plans to continue learning in hiding, which included having a dreidel in hand to play with if a Greek enforcer would come by. In our joyful games today, we remember this outstanding dedication and hopefully find inspiration to enhance our own commitments to Torah.

HOW TO HAVE A MEANINGFUL

THANKGIVING

By Dasi Well, HAFTR 2024

While Thanksgiving is a holiday that stems from secular roots, it represents a theme that is very central to Jewish values, Hakarat Hatov. Hakarat Hatov is recognizing the good. Every scenario in life has good that can be found; the key is identifying that good. Recognizing the good allows us to appreciate the world and see Hashem in all the details.

The week of Thanksgiving we read Parshat Vayeshev.

This parsha tells the story of Yosef, who was sold by his own brothers down to Mitzrayim. It seems as if Yosef should be entitled to feel anger towards his brothers or Hashem; yet he never resents his brothers or stops serving Hashem. Yosef remains positive and embraces every challenge Hashem gives him with the utmost belief that all is for the best. As Yosef gets promoted to positions of great power, one may assume he would become egocentric and ungrateful, but in fact, that is the opposite of what occurs. When Yosef meets with his brothers in Mitzrayim and reveals that he is truly their lost brother Yosef, the Shvatim 4

HAPPY CHANUKAH

Giving presents is one of the most exciting minhagim of Chanukah. One possible explanation for gift giving is that this custom began with a practice of giving money to our children’s Torah teachers to show our love and commitment for Torah, which the Greeks tried to eradicate. This later extended to giving money/gifts to students/children to show them how much we value their learning. Others explain that gifts are helpful tools to draw children closer to Torah and mitzvot (based on Rambam Hilchot Tshuvah 10:5).

Last, but definitely not least, let us consider the Chanukah meals and parties. Most authorities assume there is no obligation to have a formal Seuda on Chanukah. As the Mishna Brurah explains, unlike Purim where our physical lives were threatened and we commemorate with a physical celebration, on Chanukah, the Greeks would have left us alive if we would only give up our religion. Since our spiritual lives were threatened, we commemorate with a spiritual celebration of hallel and hodaah (praise and thanksgiving). Still, the Shulchan Aruch and Rema acknowledge a practice of abundant meals on Chanukah.

The Rema says that customarily, the seudot included zemirot and shevach to Hashem, and when that is the case, the meal is definitely a mitzvah.

May we have a Chanukah filled with all the customary treats, fun, and meals. Further, may we internalize the messages of all these activities. We honor our brave leaders (with dairy treats and refrain from melacha), and our ancestors who were absolutely committed to Torah (with dreidels and Chanukah gelt). With fried foods we recall Hashem’s miracles and our return to His service, and at our Chanukah get-togethers we should remember what the celebration is all about; Shevach ve’Hodaa la’Hashem (praise and thanksgiving to G-d) for our salvation.

expect to be reprimanded for their terrible deed of selling their brother. Instead, Yosef tells his brothers not to fear and that his sale was Hashem’s will so that he could save his family from famine. Yosef exhibits no hard feelings towards his brothers because he is able to see the big picture. Yosef demonstrates unbelievable levels of faith as a result of his Hakarat HaTov. Sometimes in life, it can feel as though everything in the world is against you. It seems like there is no good to recognize, and therefore nothing to be thankful for. But it is in those moments that Hashem may be planning to take you from the dungeons of Mitzrayim to one of the most powerful positions.

And during that rise, you should train yourself to be thankful as opposed to resentful. True Hakarat HaTov happens in the moments when thanking Hashem is the last thing you want to do.

This Thanksgiving enables us to work to incorporate the incredible strength of Yosef to see the glass as half full and realize everything is in the hands of Hashem.

HAFTR HAFTORAH • CHANUKAH EDITION

Chag Sameach!

REBBETZIN Responsa How has your role as Rebbetzin shaped your Chanukah experience?

Part of the mitzvah of Chanukah is to spread our acknowledgement and appreciation for Hashem's miracles. We call that Pirsumei Nisa, and this requirement is why we light candles outside, or inside by a window. This concept of Pirsumei Nisa puts Chanukah candles in a special and select group of mitzvot. When we light our Chanukah candles outside we are making a statement that says, "We are proud to be Jewish. We believe that Hashem performed miracles for our ancestors, making them victorious in battle and illuminating their Menorah without enough oil." Then, after making that statement we say a prayer, "Hashem, just like you performed miracles for our ancestors, please perform similar miracles for us. Save us from our enemies, and illuminate our world with Your light."

I always try, like my Chanukah candles, to have my actions say, "I am proud to be Jewish and the laws that Hashem gave us are uplifting especially in our modern world."

I light my own menorah on Chanukah. As its light shines through our streets spreading acknowledgement and appreciation of Hashem's past miracles, I hope that my actions and behavior also shine a similar light on how Hashem's commands can be observed and inspiring in a modern world. I pray that we merit to see Hashem's miracles this Chanukah and that we get to see the lights of the Beit HaMikdash illuminated again!

Rebbetzin Malki Feigenbaum, Irving Place Minyan

Modern Orthodox women balance a firm commitment to Jewish life and law with full engagement in modern society. One tension that we navigate in modern society is celebrating one's individual identity as a separate being from family and community and Torah placing a high value on one’s role in the family (particularly a woman’s role in family).

There are a number of mitzvot that are performed for the household by one family member. But, according to Ashkenazi tradition, lighting Chanukah candles is unique in that the mitzvah is performed together as a family and yet each individual lights his or her own Chanukiah. This allows us to celebrate as a family while also serving Hashem as individuals. Some married Ashkenazi women choose to have their husbands light for them under the principle of Ishto k’gufo, his wife is an extension of himself.

Although this is a beautiful concept that captures the connection between husband and wife, I personally choose to light my own Chanukiah. When performing this mitzvah with my whole family gathered around and a special menorah for each individual, I am grateful for my family, the richness of the Torah and Jewish life, and my ability to connect with Hakadosh Baruch Hu on my own.

Rebbetzin Lisa Septimus, Young Israel of North Woodmere and Yoetzet Halacha of the Five Towns and Yoetzet Halacha of Great Neck Synagogue

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HAFTR HAFTORAH • CHANUKAH EDITION

REBBETZIN Responsa CONT'D When I think about the experience of a Chanukah night, with the candles lit and family gathered, I am reminded of another experience-- a more regular experience that is Shabbos.

Every week we bring in Shabbos with our candles and embrace a day that is dedicated to focusing on our families and our connection to Hashem. Chanukah, in a way, gives us the opportunity to encounter eight “mini-Shabbos'' experiences. Though we are going about our busy lives during the day, come nightfall, we pause to light our candles and focus on each other and our Judaism.

It is an opportunity to bring purpose and meaning into our lives every single day, and not to simply wait until Shabbos to stop and reflect.

For me, as a Rebbetzin, this idea is incredibly meaningful. Shabbos, for me, can often be the busiest day of the week, and finding that time to pause can be a challenge. It is from Chanukah that I learn that it is specifically during our busiest times that it is so important to take those moments to focus on what is most essential in life. It is through the commotion that we find meaning. Chanukah does not stop the daily frenzy but makes it significant and treasured.

May we all find those moments where we can bring a bit of Chanukah into our every-day.

Rebbetzin Malka Trump, Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst It is fairly common that childhood memories of Chanukah include cherished moments with family, and that was my experience as well. However, my Chanukah memories going back to when I was a small child also include going out of the house and into the streets finding Jews to inspire by giving out Menorahs as well as inviting them to public menorah lightings.

When we came to the Five Towns 26 years ago and I became an official Rebbetzin, my level of involvement in such activities increased tremendously. I think back through the 26 Chanukahs we spent in the Five Towns, and my clearest most vivid memories are about public events such as: Grand Menorah Lightings in Cedarhurst Park, Car Menorah Parades, Chanukah Wonderland Experience, as well as visiting local homes and businesses and gifting them with their very own menorahs.

When our sages instituted the mitzvah of Menorah they explained that the entire purpose was “Pirsumei Nisa,” to publicize the miracle. So, in that sense, Chanukah is all about being “out there,” being visible and spreading light, literally and figuratively.

As a Rebbetzin, this central theme of Chanukah takes on even a greater significance for me, and I hope that it also takes on significance for those whom we have touched. Our greatest satisfaction is when we can influence people to influence others in turn, much like the Shamash which is a candle used to light another candle.

Rebbetzin Chana Wolowik, Chabad of the Five Towns

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HAFTR HAFTORAH • CHANUKAH EDITION

By Kaitlin Pollack, HAFTR 2024

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HAFTR HAFTORAH • CHANUKAH EDITION

HAFTR HIGH SCHOOL CHANUKAH EDITION

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