B"H
Monday, Tevet 2, 5783 (Hakhel Year) / December 26, 2022
Today is the last day of Chanukah. However, the lessons of Chanukah continue throughout the year.
The Talmud records four different opinions about the proper way to light the Chanukah lights. We go according to the Talmudic sage Hillel the Elder, that we kindle one candle the first night, two candles the second night, three the third etc. Hillel explains that we must increase the light each night, for in matters of holiness, such as mitzvot and good deeds, we must increase - to go higher and higher. Thus, theChanukah candles teach us an important lesson to be carried throughout the year; that in matters of good deeds, holiness and mitzvot, we must increase and go from strength to strength.
The miracle of Chanukah also teaches us that one must not be overwhelmed by the forces of evil, even when they are in the majority. The Macabees were a very small army of fighters who were resolved to fight for good and holiness over impurity and corruption. Because of their resolve and conviction, even though they were small in numbers they were victorious. In our personal battles, if we fight for the truth and don’t give up, we too, will be victorious and overcome.
Q. Shabbat, circumcision, and Rosh Chodesh were among the mitzvot that were prohibited at the time of the Chanukah story. How does the Chanukah celebration express our gratitude to G-d for these mitzvot?
A. As a result of Chanukah being eight days, Shabbat always falls out once and sometimes twice during Chanukah. The 8 days of Chanukah remind us of the eighth day of circumcision. And Chanukah always includes Rosh Chodesh. Chanukah is the only holiday which begins in one month (Kislev) and ends in another (Tevet), thus Rosh Chodesh is always part of Chanukah.
On the lighter side: A poor yeshiva student in the shtetel (village) survived by eating a meal with a different family every day, as was customary in those days. The villagers were poor and times were hard, so no matter where he ate, he was served potatoes. Finally, Chanukah came, and he was hoping for a more elaborate meal. But to his dismay, night after night, he got potato latkes and more potato latkes.
Finally, the last night of Chanukah he turned to his host and said, "What blessing should I make over the potato latkes?"
"What?" exclaimed his host. "You’re a Yeshiva student and you ask such a simple thing? Everyone knows that for foods which come out of the ground we make the blessing, "Borei pri ha'adamah."
"I know that." he replied. "But what blessing do I say for potatoes that are coming out of my ears?"
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY & HAPPY CHANUKAH
In loving memory of Corinne Fay Schneider– Chaya Feiga bat Tzvi Shalom – of blessed memory.
Yartzeit is today. May her Neshama-soul rest in peace in Gan Eden.
Dedicated by her brother Bernard Schneider.