B"H
Wednesday, Tevet 1, 5781 / December 16, 2020
Happy 6th day of Chanukah & Happy Rosh Chodesh.
In addition to celebrating Chanukah, today we also celebrate Rosh Chodesh- the first day of the Hebrew month, Tevet. Rosh Chodesh Tevet always falls out during Chanukah. In some years Rosh Chodesh Tevet is celebrated two days and in others, as this year, it is only one day.
Q. What is the significance and connection between Rosh Chodesh and Chanukah?
A. One of the decrees against Jews at that time was the prohibition to celebrate Rosh Chodesh. When the miracle of Chanukah took place and the Greek armies were defeated, Rosh Chodesh was again observed openly. Thus, it is significant that each year during the Chanukah celebrations we also celebrate Rosh Chodesh.
Q. What is the significance of the four Hebrew letters on the Driedel; Nun, Gimel, Hay, Shin?
A.These four letters stand for the Hebrew words: "Nes, Gadol, Haya, Sham" - "A great miracle happened there". “There” meaning in Israel. However, in Israel, where the miracle took place, the letter "Shin" on the Dreidel, is substituted with the letter "Pay". It stands for the Hebrew word "Poh", "Here" ("A great miracle happened here").
Q. Did a woman play a role in the miracle of Chanukah?
A.A woman named Yehudit played an important part in the story of Chanukah. Yehudit's story describes the heroism and determination of a woman fighting for her nation's freedom.
Yehudit was an exceptionally beautiful woman. 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 aged cheese and strong wine which she brought with her. The salty cheese made him very thirsty and he drank much wine which put him into a deep sleep.
With a silent prayer on her lips asking G-d for strength, she beheaded him with his own sword, placed his head into a basket, and returned with it to Jerusalem. The Macabees placed Helifornos' head on a pole. When the soldiers realized that their general was dead, they ran away. Thus, Yehudit contributed greatly to the victories of the Macabees.
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 Yehudit's brave act which came about as a result of serving Helifornos cheese.
HAVE A HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY & CHODESH-MONTH & HAPPY CHANUKAH