Parsha:

Lech Lecha,  Noach 

Description

Noach's generation was ruled by sadness. Even Noach himself couldn't break his sadness over "the world that once was". Avraham was a person who lived with optimism about the future, and therefore he went B'Simcha. Hashem always encouraged to be B'Simcha by keeping his eye on the future and not on the past. The key to Simcha is by dipping one's foot in the Chochma of Shemen, Olive Oil, which is respresented by Chanuka. Doing so eventually uplifts the sadness of the past to unite with the happiness of the future. This theme expresses itself in the month of Tishrei which is symbolized by the word "V'Haya". [Following inside with a Chumash\Rashi is recommended but not necessary].