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Countdown to Chanukah 18 – Is This Really Me?


“This is God’s doing; it is marvelous in our sight (Psalms 118:23).”

“Before I was aware, she set me [upon the most lavish of chariots” (Song of Songs 6:12). R. Hiyya taught: This can be compared to a princess who was collecting fallen sheaves. The king passed by and recognized that she was his daughter, so he sent his friend to take her and seat her with him in his carriage. Her friends were astonished by her and said, “Yesterday you were collecting fallen sheaves and today you sit in a carriage with the king?!” She said to them, “Just as you are astonished by me, so too am I astonished by myself!” And she applied to herself the verse, “Before I was aware, she set me [upon the most lavish of chariots].” 

So too, when Israel was in Egypt, forced to work with mortar and bricks, and considered disgusting and worthless in the eyes of the Egyptians. Then, when they became free, were redeemed, and were made into the rulers of the whole world, the nations of the world were astonished and said, “Yesterday you were slaves working with mortar and bricks and today you’ve become free and rulers over the entire world?!” And Israel said to them, “Just as you are astonished by us, so too are we astonished by us!” And they applied to themselves the verse, “Before I was aware, she set me [upon the most lavish of chariots].” 

Another interpretation: “Before I was aware, she set me [upon the most lavish of chariots].” The Scriptures refer to Joseph the righteous. Yesterday “they bound his feet with fetters; his body with iron” (Ps. 105:18), and today “and Joseph was governor over the entire land” (Gen. 42:6). And he applied to himself the verse, “Before I was aware, she set me [upon the most lavish of chariots].” 

Another interpretation: “Before I was aware, she set me [upon the most lavish of chariots]” refers to David. Yesterday he fled from Saul, and today he is King David, so he applied to himself the verse, “Before I was aware, she set me [upon the most lavish of chariots].” 

Another interpretation: “Before I was aware, she set me [upon the most lavish of chariots].” Scripture refers to Mordecai. Yesterday “He wore sackcloth and ash” (Esther 4:1), and today “Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in the royal garments of blue and white…” (ibid. 8:15). And he applied to himself the verse, “Before I was aware, she set me [upon the most lavish of chariots].” 

Another interpretation: “Before I was aware, she set me [upon the most lavish of chariots].” Scripture refers to the Congregation of Israel. The Congregation of Israel said to the nations of the world, “Do not rejoice over me; I have fallen, but I will rise” (Micah 7:8), because during the time when I dwelt in darkness, the Holy One of Blessing brought me into the light, as it is said, “Though I sit in darkness, the Eternal is my light.” And she applied to herself the verse, “Before I was aware, she set me [upon the most lavish of chariots] (Shir Hashirim Rabbah 6-12-1. – sefaria.org).”

This is Chanukah – Miracle of the Oil – Light of the Menorah – Celebration of Hallel all as God helping us feel marvelous about ourselves, celebrating our accomplishments and whom we have become.

I have met many people over the past months who were astounded by how they managed quarantine and illness, surprised by their ability top thrive in such difficult circumstances, shocked by the power of their prayers, rejoicing in the hidden beauty discovered in family and friends. What could possibly be better preparation to maximize our Chanukah, to illuminate the world with our Menorah and to celebrate our achievements with Hallel!

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