In Jewish thought the Temples were destroyed due to senseless hate among the Jews, not because the Babylonians nor the Romans were more powerful. If God had not willed the Temple to be destroyed it would not have been.

We might think that we do not influence much but we do not see the bigger picture. Sometimes what we consider a small act can have a tremendous impact.

When Judah confronts Joseph concerning Banjamin Joseph realizes that Judah has repented for his earlier actions. It is not enough to say "sorry", you have to show through your actions that you have repented.

When Jacob was told that Joseph was alive, he did not believe it until he saw the wagons. Why did they make a difference?

The fast of the 10th of comes a week after we finish celebrating Hanukah.  This is to teach us that the Hasmoneans lost sight of the reason for the war against the Hellenists.  Over the generations they became Hellenists.  When we lose sight of the goal, we lose all.

Hanukah saved what was to become Western Civilization. In the Greek and Roman worlds human life was cheap. Mistreatment of slaves was normal. In the Jewish world it was the exact opposite.

In the end of this week's portion the brothers are united in their love of one another just as the five Hashmonian brothers were united in the story of Hanukah.

Why do we say Hallel on Hanukah bur not Purim? What is the difference between the two festivals?

Hanukah is a celebration of the victory of a cultural war against the Greek culture. The Syrian Greeks were not interested in killing Jews, just Judaism.

The story of Hanukah seems natural but it shows how God's hand is in the world guiding the events that occurred.