This week's Parasha is Parashat Miketz, which opens in a moment of deep uncertainty. Pharaoh is shaken by troubling dreams, unable to understand what they mean or what the future holds. It is only when Yosef is brought out of prison, out of darkness, that clarity begins to emerge. Yosef does not deny the fare of the moment; instead, he brings interpretation, wisdom, and responsibility. He reminds Pharaoh that even in times of chaos, human action still matters. Preparation, compassion, and moral leadership can change what comes next. 

This message resonates during Hanukkah. Hanukkah is not just about miraculous light appearing on its own, but about the people choosing to light the menorah even when surrounded by darkness. The miracle only happens because someone takes responsibility to act to light a flame, however small it may seem. 

This week, our community has been shaken by the tragic attack on the first night of Hanukkah at Bondi Beach in Sydney. Moments like these leave us feeling afraid, confused, and heartbroken. Like Pharaoh, we struggle to understand how much darkness can exist and what we are meant to do in response. Judaism does not ask us to ignore pain or explain it away. Instead, it asks us to respond with care, with responsibility, and with light. 

Yosef teaches us that leadership in dark times does not come from power but from empathy and foresight. Hanukkah teaches us that light is not passive; it is something we create. Even one candle can push back the darkness of an entire room. 

As we hold space for grief for those who passed away or have been injured in the horrific attacks in Sydney, we are also reminded of our role to check in on one another, to strengthen our communities, and to choose kindness when the world feels broken. We may not be able to fix everything, but like Yosef, we can bring wisdom, like the menorah, we can bring light. 

And that is our hope that even in moments of fear and loss, we continue to choose connection over isolation, compassion over hatred, and light over darkness. One action, one flame, one moment of care at a time. 

We are wishing those injured in Sydney a Refuah Shlemah, and our hearts go out to those who have lost a loved one. 

Shabbat Shalom,
Alyssa Teichtahl, BBYO Melbourne