Parashat Vayeshev
Though Joseph was the favored son and knew he had an important calling through the dreams he was given, he first had to learn humility to be able to accomplish God’s plan.
In the midst of betrayal and false accusations, Joseph never forgot his identity nor did he forsake his God. No matter what situation he faced, whether over Potiphar’s house or a prisoner, he walked in righteousness and God prospered him. Joseph’s trust was in God regardless of his circumstances, and God was with him.
In this time of Hanukkah we also remember the trust Judah and his brothers had in the One True God to deliver them from the Greeks despite the odds. They persevered in righteousness and God brought them victory!
Judah replied, “It is easy for many to be hemmed in by few, for in the sight of Heaven there is no difference between saving by many or by few. It is not on the size of the army that victory in battle depends, but strength comes from Heaven.”
1 maccabees 3:18-19