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By Rabbi Ariel Ovadia
Not all of the brothers tried to kill Yosef. Reuven, the eldest, returned to the pit to rescue Yosef, only to find that Yosef wasn’t there anymore, assuming he was killed. Yehuda, on the other hand, proposed to sell Yosef as a slave, effectively saving Yosef’s life. Yet, Hachamim frown upon Yehuda for his suggestion – despite its success – and laud Reuven for his attempt to save Yosef, despite its failure! Shouldn’t we praise Yehuda for his real-life achievement and not Reuven for his unsuccessful attempt?
The Be’er Zechut (R. Eldad Sebagh נ”י) explains that although Yehuda ultimately saved Yosef’s life, nevertheless he subjected him to grave spiritual danger. Yes, Yosef was able to emerge unscathed despite all of Egypt’s temptations, yet Yehuda’s plan could have resulted in Yosef’s spiritual death. Hachamim want us to understand how critical one’s spiritual safety is.
It is no coincidence that the Parashiyot dealing with Yosef and his brothers always occur during the days of Hanukkah. Whereas many of our Hagim, and Hanukkah among them, celebrate a salvation from imminent physical danger, the real emphasis of Hanukkah is that we were spared spiritually. We praise Hashem for being able to fulfill his commandments and being able to carry the torch of Torah from generation to generation, and rejoice that the eternal light of Hashem’s word and the Jewish people will never be extinguished.