Page 490 - BERESHIT

also refers to the Torah, which we keep and proudly observe. Every day,
we add another candle, hinting at those who return to Judaism and add to
their repertoire of mitzvot one by one, until they reach complete Torah
observance.
Yaakov Avinu stayed religious despite the influence of Lavan. He taught his
children how to stand up to persecution without losing their self-esteem in
being Jews. This spirit of opposition is what led the Chashmonaim to defy
and revolt against Greece.
Yosef opposed any attempts at being enticed to sin. Even when his own
master’s wife tried to seduce him, he overcame the nisayon. He saw the
image of his father, which alludes to Hashem Who is everywhere and sees
everything that goes on, even behind closed doors and in the privacy of one’s
bedroom.
The Chanukah candles symbolize the pride that every Jew has in his religion
and observance of Torah. Despite anti-Semitism, one can see Chanukah
candles on every point on the globe. Even when gentiles taunt or jeer at us,
we can be proud to be a Jew. Throughout the dark ages of galut, Hashem
recorded our steadfast commitment. He rejoices over our being proud to be
His people.

“He charged them, saying, ‘Thus shall you say:
To my lord, to Eisav, so said your servant,
Yaakov: I have sojourned with Lavan and have
lingered until now’”

(Bereishit 32:5)