Chanukah, Mikeitz, and Rosh Chodesh Teves: Choosing Light in Uncertain Times

Making the Miracle Visible

At the heart of Chanukah is the concept of Pirsumei Nisa, publicizing the miracle. Unlike many mitzvot that are fulfilled privately, the Chanukah lights are meant to be seen. The menorah is placed at a doorway, in a window, or in a public space — not to draw attention to ourselves, but to remind the world that light exists even when darkness appears dominant.

Chabad teachings explain that the menorah is not placed deep inside the home or at the highest point, but rather at eye level, accessible, visible, and relatable. The message is clear: light must be brought into real life, not reserved for ideal conditions.

This is especially meaningful in times like ours, when uncertainty, fear, and violence weigh heavily on many communities.

A Moment That Brought the Message Home

This Chanukah arrives against the backdrop of painful events affecting Jewish communities around the world, including the recent violent incident in Sydney.

For me, this was not an abstract headline.

In the early hours of the morning in Los Angeles — around 3:00 a.m., as news from Sydney began unfolding, I found myself repeatedly trying to reach a close childhood friend, now a rabbi in Sydney. I knew that if there was an event centered on spreading light, he would likely be there.

After nearly an hour, he finally answered.

He wrote to me:

“Watched 5 people get shot. Lying over my 4 kids for 10 minutes while I see the shooters shoot at us. Insane. No words.”
Then he added quietly:
“Why are you awake?”

There are moments when analysis stops. When explanations fall short. And what remains is the raw truth that darkness is real — and close.

Judaism never denies that reality. Instead, it asks us what we will do after acknowledging it.

Mikeitz: Leadership Born in Darkness

Parshas Mikeitz tells the story of Yosef’s rise from prison to the palace. One moment he is forgotten in a dungeon; the next, he stands before Pharaoh as a leader responsible for an entire nation.

Chabad teachings emphasize that Yosef’s greatness was not merely his brilliance or foresight. It was his willingness to carry responsibility — to think beyond himself and prepare for others’ survival.

Yosef does not use his position for comfort or revenge. He uses it to feed, to plan, and to protect.

True light, the Torah teaches us, is not found in escaping darkness — but in transforming it through responsibility and care for others.

Rosh Chodesh: Renewal You Cannot Yet See

Adding to this week’s depth is Rosh Chodesh Teves, arriving quietly in the middle of winter.

The moon on Rosh Chodesh is barely visible. And yet, Jewish law marks it as the beginning of renewal. The message is subtle but profound: growth often begins long before it can be seen.

In difficult times, we may not immediately witness change. But every act of kindness, every visible candle, every moment of presence begins something that will eventually expand.

Bringing Light Into Places of Service

This Chanukah, through SoulLinks, we focused on bringing light precisely into places where responsibility and pressure are constant:

• At the United States Coast Guard Base Los Angeles/Long Beach

• With LAPD personnel at the Ahmanson Recruit Training Center (ARTC) and the Davis Training Facility

• Publicly, at the Fairfax District Menorah Parade, standing alongside LAPD officers who ensured safety for all

These were not necessarily grand productions. They were simple moments of light, connection, and presence — and that is precisely what Chanukah calls for.

The menorah teaches that you do not wait for perfect conditions. You light where you are.

Remembering Rose, Continuing Her Light

On December 17th, the third day of Chanukah, we intentionally honored Staff Sgt. Rose Ida Lubin HY"D, an American police officer who was killed in Israel. The third day of Chanukah also corresponds with Rose’s birthday.

We know that a soul’s light does not disappear when a life ends. It continues through the deeds done in its merit. Through our “Spread Rose’s Light” initiative, her courage and values are translated into acts of goodness, connection, and public light.

This is not about memory alone. It is about continuity.

What Chanukah Ultimately Asks of Us

Chanukah does not demand that we solve the world’s problems overnight. It asks for something both simpler and harder:

• Add one more candle than yesterday.

• Bring light into places where it is not expected.

• Live visibly with goodness and responsibility.

Parshas Mikeitz reminds us that leadership emerges in moments of uncertainty.
Rosh Chodesh reminds us that renewal often begins quietly.
Chanukah reminds us that light only fulfills its purpose when it is shared.

May we continue to increase in goodness, kindness, and visible light — especially when it feels hardest to do so.

Chag Chanukah Sameach and Chodesh Tov!