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B"H

Monday, Kislev 30, 5778 / December 18, 2017

  

Happy sixth day of Chanukah & Happy Rosh Chodesh. Today is the first day of Rosh Chodesh of the new month, Tevet.

 

Q.  The observance of Shabbat, circumcision and Rosh Chodesh (sanctifying the new moon) were amongst the mitzvot that were prohibited at the time of the Chanukah story. Lighting the Chanukah Menorah for eight days commemorates the miracle of the oil. How does observing Chanukah for eight days express our gratitude to G-d for the miracle of being able to observe the above mentioned three mitzvot?

 

A.  As a result of Chanukah being eight days, Shabbat always falls out once and sometimes twice during Chanukah.  Because Chanukah is 8 days it also reminds us of the eighth day of circumcision. There is always one day or sometimes two days Rosh Chodesh during Chanukah. In fact, except for Rosh Hashana, Chanukah is the only holiday which includes a Rosh Chodesh.

 

Q.Which holiday begins in one month and ends in another month?

 

A.  Chanukah. It begins on the twenty fifth of the month Kislev and ends in the month of Tevet.

 

Q.Why do many women refrain from doing work while the Chanukah candles are burning?

 

A.Yehudit, the daughter of Yochanan Kohen Gadol (High Priest), was an exceptionally beautiful woman.  While members of her family fought for the liberation of Israel on the battlefield, she, in her own unique way, contributed to their victory. She asked to be introduced to the Syrian General Helifornos, who was impressed with her beauty and wisdom. At their meeting, she offered him very salty cheese and very strong wine which she brought along with her.  The cheese made Helifornos very thirsty -- so thirsty that he drank too much wine and fell into a deep sleep.  With a silent prayer on her lips begging G-d for strength, Yehudit beheaded him with his own sword. Placing his head in a basket, she returned to Jerusalem. The next day, when his soldiers realized that their general was dead, they were frightened and deserted the battlefield. Thus, Yehudit contributed greatly to the victories of the Maccabees.

 

To commemorate the heroism of Yehudit, many women refrain from working while the Chanukah candles remain lit.  Some have a custom to eat cheese on Chanukah in remembrance of her brave act which involved cheese.

 

Please note: Due to my father’s health situation, I will be away the rest of this week. Please pray for him, Menachem Mendel ben Chaya Bracha. In less than three months he will be 102, G-d willing. He is going through a difficult period. Thanks for your understanding.

 

HAVE A VERY HAPPY, HEALTHY & SUCCESSFUL CHODESH & HAPPY CHANUKAH