Parshat Mikeitz starts by stating that this has been the end of two years. The irony is that while this was said to be the end of something, for Yosef, it was the beginning. When those two years ended and Pharaoh had a dream, Yosef was remembered. Not only was he remembered, but he was remembered because of what had happened two years ago, the interpretation of the cupbearer’s dream. We may think that when one door closes, another one opens—but the first door may come to an end. but it doesn’t close. Everything that happens before that end, helps us reach a beginning.

This year Chanukah ends on Friday day, and then Friday night begins Shabbat. However, while Chanukah may be ending, we can take the spirit, the light and the miracles into our Shabbat. It is not only something we can do but should do. The events that happen in our lives, the actions we take, the things we see—we must learn from and use as tools to make us better. Pirkei Avot says, “Who is wise? One who learns from everyone.” When we are at the end of a point in our life, we must use the actions we did, the events we went through, and our past to help our new beginning be great. May we all merit in using our past and endings to create better and new beginnings. May we all become wise and learn from one another. May we take the essence of Chanukah and Yosef with us by recognizing that Hashem is always with us.

Shira Sedek is a passionate educator currently working toward a master’s degree at Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration.