And their camels bearing spices, balsam and lotus” (Bereishis 37:25)
Rashi explains that the Yishme’alim would generally transport goods that had a foul-smelling odor. However, when Yosef was sold and transported to Mitzrayim, he merited that the caravan in which he was transported was carrying goods with a pleasant aroma. But what is the significance of this small “comfort” when one is being carted off to servitude?
The Telzer approach, attributed to Rav Mottel Pogremonski zt’l, explains this with a parable. Both a surgeon and a murderer bring a knife to the skin. Yet the distinction between the one that seeks to heal and the one that seeks to injure is observed in the surgeon’s meticulousness and delicate approach. Although Yosef was being cast away, it was ultimately for the later good; a “Refuah Kodem La’makkah”. This small detail of the pleasant aroma despite the circumstances demonstrates that the master plan was perfect and meticulous.
In a similar vein, Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz explains that this pleasant aroma was Hashem’s message to Yosef that He is with him in his suffering. On Chanukah we recognize and express our gratitude for the miracles performed. Along with the great miracles of the times of the Chashmonaim, we also need to recognize the many smaller miracles that take place in our times and get a good “scents” of all the everyday blessings in our lives.
Reprinted from the Parshas Vayeishev 5785 email of Klal Govoah’s “Tidbits”
