Drawing from ideas of the Rav, zt”l, from other Chanukah related shiurim, I would add that Rambam characterizes Chanukah as having the positive aspect of returning Jewish Monarchy for a period exceeding 200 years. Though the Hasmoneans were Levites and monarchy was reserved to the tribe of Judah, they are credited with restoring pride to a physically and spiritually downtrodden people and raising the Jewish profile till the end of the second Temple and commonwealth. However, the rededication of the Temple by the Hasmoneans was incomplete as it required access to a prophet to determine the appropriate constitution of the rededication process and set of sacrifices to be brought. In Maoz Tzur, “Az Egmor B’Shir Mizmor Chanukas HaMizbeach,” we have a reference to the days of Moshiach, when we will complete (future tense) the unconsummated rededication of the Temple started by the Hasmoneans so many years ago after their victory over the Hellenizing forces arrayed against them.
At that time we will also mark the completion of the circuitous Jewish Journey that began so many years ago with the simple mission that Jacob sent Joseph to perform, to inquire as to the welfare of his brothers. The parshiyos associated with Chanukah, Vayeshev and Miketz, describe the detachment of Joseph from his father, brothers and homeland, and are symbolic of the exile and detachment felt by the Jewish people from our Father, from each other and from our home land. Similar to the Hasmonean triumph celebrated by Chanukah, we draw inspiration, admiration and pride from Joseph’s model of stalwart commitment to Hashem, family and land in overcoming the obstacles of poverty, oppression and even affluence he was presented with. Though their relationship reached a nadir in Vayeshev with the contemplated murder and ultimate sale of Joseph into slavery by his brothers, Joseph ultimately reconciled with his brothers. Similarly the coming of Moshiach will forever heal the rift between the children of Israel and reunite us as a people with Hashem. It will usher in a period of peace, tranquility and knowledge of Hashem and His ways as symbolized by the light of the Menorah on Chanukah. May it be speedily in our days.
