Davar Acher (an Additional Thought) on Parashat Miketz

This from yesterday's drash by my Rabbi, Gustavo Surazski at Kehillat Netzach Yisrael here in Ashqelon.  For me - and most present in the congregation tht morning - it represents an  important huddush, a new way to look at the text.  I thought I'd share it, giving credit where it's due...

What's the connection between Pharaoh's dreams - and the failure of everybody in Egypt except for Joseph, the Hebrrew slave, to understand them - and Hanukkah?  There must be a logical connection, since the Shabbat in Hannukah is always the Shabbat on which we read the portion Miketz.  Both the destruction of Egypt had it not prepared for the coming famine, and the defeat of the Syrian army by the Jewish guerrillas, represented failures by rulers who saw themselves as nothing short of gods. Not only could Pharaoh and Antiochus not see their respective looming failures, none of their advisors could either - or if they could, they lacked the courage to tell their boss, whom they expected would not appreciate the insight and would shoot the messenger.  When a king or ruler sees himself as invincible, he cannot accept that something 'smaller' than his might could defeat him.  

This is your erstwhile blogger's additional thought:  beyond the above juxtaposition, we see throughout the sweep of history how autocrats and other absolute rulers have seen their downfall, simply because they thought they were gods and therefore, invincible.  As an example, remember how Hitler's general staff counselled him that he was far overextended and in danger of losing the war?  He was so incensed at the notion that he would be other than victorious, that he purged the messengers.  

Because most of these kings and dictators at infused by a tremendous sense of hubris and lack of fear of G-d which leads them to perform dispicable acts, it is to the world's benefit that they cannot accept moderating counsel and thus step into their own downfall.  The Pharaoh of the Joseph narrative, was apparently cut from different cloth.  Once someone - in the person of Joseph - had the courage to tell him the truth, he was humbled and accepted the counsel, and then asked further advice which he welcomed.

Nu, a good week everybody!  Happy civil New Year!