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This week's parsha, Mikeitz, describes the story of how Yosef is elevated from being a prisoner in a foreign country to second in command to the king. At first glance, Yosef's life does not seem like a life that you would want to live. However, If you look between the lines while studying the parsha, you can see that Hashem helped Yosef throughout his whole life. For every negative, there is a positive, and in the end Hashem ultimately helped Yosef save the Jewish nation. Yosef's journey parallels the Hanukkah story; in both stories it is apparent that Hashem is always present as long as the first initiative is taken.

From the start of this parsha, Hashem continuously lends a helping hand through Yosefs journey. First Yosef gets sold instead of killed. Then, as Rashi tells us, it turns out that the caravan that he was on had fragrant incense rather than the usual foul smelling materials that most caravans at the time carried. After a time, Yosef has his episode with Potiphar's wife and ends up in jail. You would think this was a bad turn of events, but while in jail, Yosef interprets dreams. Later on this G-d given talent gets him out of jail and into a position of high power when he is called to interpret Paroah's dreams.

You can also see Hashem's 'behind the scenes' actions in the Hanukkah story. The Chashmonaim should have had no chance against the Greeks. It was known from the start that their army was a fraction of the size of the Greek army. They gave it their all, and fought anyway with total faith in G-d; therefore, Hashem made sure that they would persevere. This phenomena occurred again when they found one bottle of oil that was meant to last for one night. Hashem made a miracle since the Chashmonaim recognized and believed in His omniscient presence.

This is a major point that the Netziv says in the beginning of Bereishit: Hashem is willing to change the course of nature for the Jews if they deserve it. For Yosef it was unprecedented that he would ever hold a position of power after being accused of adultery and given a bad reputation by the cup bearer. But Hashem had a plan and made the impossible possible. From these stories we can learn the importance of staying positive in difficult situations and maintaining our faith in G-d.

Ariel comes to AMIT from Pawtucket, Rhode Island and plans on attending Binghamton University next year. Her favorite part of Chanukah at AMIT is celebrating with the children at Beit Hayeled.