Hanukkah / Miketz 5773
As a rule we read the Parsha of Miketz on Shabbat Hanukkah. The story is well known. Joseph wrongly accused and thrown in jail. His prophecies to Pharaoh, his appointment as Viceroy and his wisdom in saving Egypt from a long drought by saving the crops of the good years, speak to a miraculous series of events that eventually rejoin Jacob’s family after a twenty-two year absence of the prodigal son that had disappeared and was assumed dead. It is oft quoted that at the darkest part of the year, we increase the light of Torah by lighting an additional candle each of eight evenings of the holiday. The ascendency of Yoseph from an Egyptian prison to becoming the Viceroy of the Pharoah is paralleled by the Hashmonaim rising up from disturbing conflict within the Jewish community and terrible persecution from the Greeks, to defeating their overwhelming tormentors and rededicating the Holy Temple of Jerusalem during one of the darkest hours of Jewish history. Yes, we speak about the miraculous vial of oil that should have lasted one day but kept the Menorah burning for eight days. But it is more a triumph of faith and sacrifice for one’s belief that brought on the miracle.
In the spirit of light and joy, I ask you to join me and the fabulous jazz group, TRIO GLOBO, in a concert of Hanukkah and Seder songs in the jazz milieu, MATZAH TO MENORAH! As the kickoff for our new CD of the same name, there is nothing like hearing this music live. Jazz is an improvisational art, and ensuing interpretations are rarely the same. We will present the music of our CD plus a short tribute to my dear friend, Dave Brubeck, who died on December 5, one day before his 92nd birthday. Many musical surprises and a Hanukkah sing-along will climax this fun program for the entire family. Adults $36, Students over 17 $18, kids 17 and younger are FREE!
Come celebrate the Bears win over Green Bay, earlier that day, (or come get out of your funk if they lose): Sunday afternoon, December 16, at 4:00 PM. Let us all exit Hanukkah on high note!
Shabbat Shalom,
Hazzan Alberto Mizrahi
