In Mikeitz, Pharaoh dreams of a frightening famine, and it’s Yosef who steps forward to interpret. The Talmud in Brochos teach us, “Kol hachalomos holchim achar hapeh—a dream follows the mouth of the interpreter.” Yosef not only deciphers Pharaoh’s vision but frames it in a way that inspires action and hope. Instead of focusing on the impending disaster, he shifts the perspective to preparation and opportunity. His insight doesn’t just change Pharaoh’s understanding; it changes reality itself. His interpretation determined the conduct of the country that saved that part of the world during a famine.

This aligns with the teaching from the Gemara Tomid – “Eizeh hu chacham? Haro’eh et hanolad — Who is wise one? One who sees what is born (about to occur).” Yosef’s wisdom wasn’t just about understanding what was going on in the present but envisioning the future and taking steps to shape it. By anticipating challenges and offering solutions, Yosef demonstrated the transformative power of forward-thinking optimism. Connecting this idea to Chanukah. The world was dark—physically and spiritually. The Greeks sought to extinguish Jewish identity, defiling everything holy, including the oil that was used for the Menorah in the Holy Temple. Yet, although the Maccabees found and lit only one small undefiled cruse of oil, and in doing so, they illuminated and eliminated the darkness. Hashem seeing their efforts of self-sacrifice, caused the miracle of the oil to be sufficient to remain lit for 8 days. Even a single spark has the power to push away despair. Psychologically, this lesson is profound. When we look toward the future with hope and optimism, open and growth minded, we can manifest those brighter realities. Just as Yosef transformed famine into abundance and the Maccabees turned a small amount of oil into lasting light, we, too, can change our circumstances by reframing them and igniting our inner sparks.

Life will always present challenges, moments that feel overwhelming. But how we interpret those moments determines what happens next. When we focus on the light—the opportunities, the potential for growth—we illuminate our surroundings, eliminating the darkness around us. A single positive thought, like the flame of a Chanukah candle, has the power to change everything. The act of lighting the Ner Chanukah symbolizes spiritual growth, with the light of the candles increasing each night. Our sages explain that the number 8 represents transcendence, going beyond nature. The world was made in 7 days, but the miraculous is connected with 8. Just as the Maccabees sought pure oil to light the menorah, their effort inspired divine intervention. Hashem amplified their efforts, allowing the small cruse of oil to burn for eight days. This increasing light symbolizes the spread of holiness and the triumph of spirituality over physical darkness. It reminds us that the smallest act of truth and purity can ignite miracles and inspire divine blessings. This is the true way of growth and learning. As we learn in current neuroscience, small, repeated acts determine the neuroplastic effect of growth (or G-d forbid the opposite).  By adding “light” into our lives, illuminating our surroundings even in a small and gentle way, we eliminate the darkness. As the famous meme goes, a little light dispels a lot of darkness.

As we light our Chanukah candles this year, let us reflect on Yosef’s wisdom and the Maccabees’ courage. Let us ask ourselves: “How can I interpret my challenges in a way that sparks action and hope? How can I ignite a light that will guide myself and others forward? How can I take one small step toward growth and contribution?” Let us remember that a dream follows its interpretation. By adopting a positive, forward-thinking mindset, we can transform our lives. Even in the darkest times, one lit candle is all it takes to begin illuminating the way and eliminating the darkness.

Rus Devorah Wallen is an accomplished musician, performer, social worker, psychotherapist, and educator.