The haftorah reading for Mikeitz is from the book of Zechariah. Zechariah (who lived in the 6th century BCE) prophesied the return of the Israelites to their Homeland after they had been exiled by the Babylonians. Among his many visions, Zechariah saw a menorah (flanked on both sides by olive branches) and he heard an angel explaining to him that this vision meant the Temple in Jerusalem (which had been destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in 422 BCE) should now be rebuilt “not by might, not by power, but by the spirit of G‑d".

In the background of the painting, vibrant energy emanates from a suggested menorah capturing the spirit of the menorah as a vessel of light. Painted with fingers and the side of the hand, the image of Zechariah, emerged from many layers of paint and the struggle to find a more pure inner expression. Set in deep golden tones, Zechariah seems to be both consumed and illuminated by his vision.

Zechariah's vision is one of most powerful images of prophecy. It continues to have profound significance for us today. It is a symbol of spirit and an extended metaphor of the importance of manifesting Divine light to accomplish G‑d’s purposes in the world and the predominance of spirituality over physical strength.