What Gift Can We Offer HaShem?

 B"H

As we all find ourselves caught up in the frantic search for the perfect gift—those famous Hanukkah presents—can we pause for a few moments to think about the gift we might offer to HaShem, our Father? What could He possibly desire? Macy's, Amazon, Saks... No, dear friends, the aisles may be overflowing with all kinds of shiny, clever, useful, or not-so-useful trinkets, but none of them will contain the gift that truly matters. That’s because it is within each of us.

This week, Yosef gives us some clues. His life was marked by the most extraordinary events; he experienced both the heights of power and the depths of prison darkness. Yet one thing never wavered: his unwavering love for HaShem. It was this steadfast love that sustained him as he was taken from his homeland, carried away by the Ishmaelite caravan. By a miracle, these traders—who typically transported oil and other foul-smelling goods—were instead carrying fragrant spices and flowers, a small sign from HaShem to remind Yosef that He was with him every step of the way, even amid the turbulence.

When standing on the precipice of sin with Potiphar’s wife, Yosef’s vision of his father Yaakov gave him the strength to escape. His deep love for his father became the foundation of his resistance. And in prison, Yosef lifted the spirits of his fellow inmates, encouraging them to embrace joy, convinced that HaShem was present with them, even in that wretched place. This conviction paved the way for Yosef’s rise to unimaginable power and authority. Incredible, isn’t it? (And, if we glance at current events, perhaps still possible today!)

HaShem continuously paved Yosef’s path with miracles because their bond of love was unbreakable.

Now, what is the connection to Hanukkah? We celebrate a miracle—the miracle of the small jug of oil that lasted eight days. Yet other miracles surrounded that moment in our history. Why does this seemingly minor event carry such enduring significance? Because it symbolizes an act of love, a desire to honor HaShem with more than the bare minimum. Amid the chaos in the Temple, the Hashmonaim could have fulfilled their obligation with regular oil, yet they yearned to do more for HaShem’s glory. They sought excellence, going beyond mere duty.

What was HaShem’s response? A miracle that transcends time, an eternal light—a trend that will never go out of style.

If we, too, are waiting for such miracles in our own lives and for the entire Jewish people, perhaps it is time to move beyond “service as usual” and strive for exceptional devotion. A devotion fueled by love, the highest level of emunah, where effort ceases to feel like a burden. Instead, it becomes a source of energy that drives us forward every day. We may stumble, but love will always help us rise again.

Wishing you a joyful and meaningful Hanukkah!