This year, Shabbat Vayeshev (Genesis 37:1-40:23) coincides with Hanukkah. Therefore, the haftarah, which predicts a severe judgment for the Jewish people, is replaced by that of Hanukkah, taken from Zechariah (2:14–4:7). This latter, a prophecy issued shortly before the construction of the Temple, promises that if Israel respects the divine commandments, it will be granted a privileged place.
Antioch (Antakya in Turkish) was the capital of the Seleucid Empire between 240BCE and 64BCE. In 167BCE, King Antiochus IV proclaimed decrees aimed at eradicating Judaism, thus triggering the revolt of the Hasmoneans and leading to the victory of the Maccabees.
In modern times, under Turkish tutelage, the city of Antioch experiences political violence, and with the massive arrival of Syrian refugees, many of whom are jihadists, the Jewish community of Antioch leaves the city. Only the last existing synagogue, built around 1750, still bears witness to 2,500 years of Jewish presence in Antioch.