B"H
Monday, Tevet 2, 5779 / December 10, 2018
Today, (Monday) is the last day of Chanukah.
The main mitzvah of Chanukah is performed by lighting candles. Through these lights we express our thanks to G-d for the miracle of the oil in the Holy Temple, which miraculously burnt eight days.
Our sages tell us that the war against the Jewish people, at the time of Chanukah, was mainly spiritual. Jews were prohibited to study Torah and observe the mitzvot which connect us to G-d. It was because of this that the Macabees went to war with those who prohibited the study and observance of Torah.
The soul is compared to a candle, as is written, "The candle of G-d is the soul of man." Torah and mitzvot are also compared to a candle and light. The sages set the celebration of Chanukah with the lighting of candles. For it not only celebrates the miracle of the oil in the Beth Hamikdash, it also commemorates the victory of Torah and mitzvot (G-d’s light).
The following Chanukah story took place in a village in Europe many years ago. One Chanukah morning, a Chasid went to visit his Rebbe. It was a cold winter day. The Chasid hoped to be at Rebbe's synagogue in time for the lighting of the second Chanukah lights.
Suddenly, big huge flakes floated down. The wind began to blow, swirling the snow in all directions. The poor Chasid couldn't see the road, path which led to his Rebbe. He couldn't tell if he was heading in the right direction or not. Then night fell and the Chasid felt totally lost.
Meanwhile, at the Rebbe's house, after the sun had set, the Rebbe said the blessings, and lit two candles in his Chanukah menorah. Usually, after lighting the Chanukah candles the Rebbe and Chasidim would sing the beautiful Chanukah melodies, but tonight, he just stared at the flames. Then suddenly, to everyone's amazement, the two lights vanished!
Back in the woods, the poor Chasid was totally lost. He prayed to G-d for help. Suddenly, two lights appeared in the distance. Rescuers must be looking for him, he thought. With a new surge of energy, the Chasid followed the lights as they moved through the woods and fields. But he couldn't see a soul, just the lights. The Chasid struggled on and on. Finally, he saw the synagogue of his Rebbe. At that instant the two Chanukah lights reappeared in the Rebbe's Menorah.
The Chasid burst through the door, "Oh Rebbe!" he cried. "Thank you for sending people out to find me!" For the first time all evening, the Rebbe looked up. "I didn't send anyone. The light from the Chanukah candles helped you find your way!" the Rebbe replied.
To this very day they still do! The lights of Torah and mitzvot which are represented by the Chanukah candles, direct us and help us find our way, so that we do not stray.
HAPPY CHANUKAH & HAVE A GOOD, HEALTHY & WONDERFUL DAY