Parashah Roundup: Miketz & Chanukah 5768

by Steve Brizel

What Yosef Learned in Jail

The Meshech Chochmah (as preprared by R. Eliezer Kwass) explains the special nature of Yosef's prison sentence and how what he learned there aided him greatly when became the Viceroy of Egypt: link

R. Yaakov Horowitz illustrates for us what Yosef learned about God's plans from the delay in his release from prison: link

R. Efraim Buchwald investigates what prompted Pharoah to appoint Yosef as Viceroy: link

The Reunion Between Yosef and his Brothers

R. Yaakov Medan analyzes why Yosef did not notify his father immediately: link

Dr. Yechiel Domb offers a new approach to the question of why Yosef did not ask immediately about his father: link

R. Jonathan Sacks points out that even if we fail to win approval from those who seek it, God will always be with us: link

R. Zev Leff explains why the full reconciliation between Yosef and all of his brethren must await another Parsha: link

R. Berel Wein elucidates why crying is such an expression of one's emotions: link

R. Yissachar Frand reminds us that we should not remind someone of a favor that we did for him: link

Shabbos Chanukah

R. Aharon Lichtenstsein discusses the obligation of women to light Chanukah candles: link

R. Dr. David Berger shows us why human initiative and Divine Providence are the keys to understanding the setting of Chanukah: link

R. Zvi Sobolofsy tells us that we should think of two victories on Chanukah: link

R. Michael Rosensweig examines why Chanukah is a time to think about maximal and ideal standards in the performance of mitzvos: link

R. Gedaliah Hochberg (formerly of Yehivas Ohr Yeruhshalayim and now a Rosh Chaburah in Mir Yerushalayim) delves into the issue of brachos and hiddur mitzvah: link

R. Shaya Greenwald discusses the basis for the conflicting minhagim as to how the menorah is placed in a shul: link

R. Yitzchak Etzshalom investigates the text of Haneros Hallalu as understood by the Rishonim: link

R. Asher Brander tells us why the Halacha is like Beis Hillel: link

R. Avigdor Nevenzahl shows us why Hakaras Hatov is is an essential element of Chanukah: link

R. Berel Wein reminds us of the true nature of the celebration of Chanukah: link

R. Shlomo Riskin shows how Yosef and Chanukah provide a similar message of redemption: link