This week, our Torah portion begins with Joseph being called upon to interpret two of Pharaoh’s dreams.  Before interpreting them, Joseph tells Pharaoh that his ability comes from God and that perhaps God is sending a message to Pharaoh through his dreams. Ultimately through Joseph’s interpretations, Pharaoh understands that there is a famine coming to Egypt and in order to survive he will need to plan and take action. Thus, he sets up Joseph as second in command, a plan is put in place and ultimately Egypt survives.

This week American Jews are doubly thankful, as we too reflect on survival, our survival. However, this is not an effortless survival.  Rather, through our parashah, the fight of the Maccabees, and the story of the Pilgrims’ survival of their first year in a new land, we come to see that survival and surviving takes faith and trust in God.

Yes, Joseph delivered the message, but Pharaoh had to trust the message and have faith in what was being told to him. The Maccabees were outnumbered on the battlefield, yet perhaps Zechariah’s words rang in their minds and hearts as they fought, “not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit will you prevail,” understanding that with faith in God they could overcome forces much larger than themselves. And of course, what is it that kept those who arrived on the Mayflower going during that first year? They were seeking freedom and looked to their faith, looked to God to help them survive and succeed in a new land. 

But none of their experiences were without hardship. Though the Egyptians survived the famine, it was not easy; they learned to exist and survive on very little as the famine got worse. The Maccabees ultimately won but still had to deal with a destroyed Temple and had to deal with a Jewish community that experienced turmoil during this time.  And of course, we know from history books that so many pilgrims lost their lives during that first year in America. They had to learn to adjust and to do things for themselves that would ensure the possibility of survival.

How often do we stop to think about those things for which we are thankful?  Do we wonder if like Pharaoh, God is sending us messages, letting us know that there are things we can do to survive? And of course, how often do we listen and/or recognize those small moments, miracles, that happen in our lives?  Do we give ourselves over to faith, allowing ourselves to recognize that faith in God can be very powerful, very healing, and can ultimately give us the strength we need to move forward and survive whatever challenge we face.

As we celebrate this week, lighting our chanukiot, eating latkes and our Thanksgiving feasts, we take a moment to think, to reflect and to give thanks. We think about those daily miracles in our lives and we offer blessings of thanks. We consider those things for which we need to “survive” and we remind ourselves, that “not by might, nor by power,” but with God’s help will we “survive.”