B"H
Thursday, Kislev 24, 5784 / December 7, 2023
Tonight (Thursday night) begins the holiday of Chanukah, which has been celebrated by Jews for over two thousand years. It is the victory of light over darkness. Although Chanukah is an ancient holiday associated with the Menorah lights in the Temple, yet, in every generation we have to deal with the darkness we are faced against. In our days, the darkness is so obvious everywhere, from the streets, to the universities, to the U.N. This year the Chanukah lights announce loud and clear; Am Yisroel Chai.
Tonight, we light the first Chanukah candle. An additional candle is lit each night.
Q. Why is it customary to also light the Chanukah Menorah in the synagogue and in public places?
A. It is a mitzvah to publicize the miracle of Chanukah as much as possible. Thus, although we light the Menorah at home, it is also a mitzvah to kindle it in the synagogue in order to publicize the miracle of Chanukah for those attending synagogue.
2) Another reason is that today the synagogue takes the place of the Holy Temple. Being that the miracle took place in the Holy Temple, it is important to kindle the Chanukah lights also in synagogue, which is called, “a miniature Temple.”
3) Another reason is that there may be people in synagogue who are traveling and have no place to light their Chanukah candles. Thus, the sages required that the Chanukah Menorah also be lit each night in the synagogue for those who are in transit.
Q. Why is it customary to place the Chanukah Menorah in synagogue on the south wall?
A. To commemorate the Menorah in the Holy Temple which stood on the south side in the Sanctuary.
Q. Before Shabbat and holidays, candles are lit in every Jewish home. Yet, we see a difference between the Chanukah candles and the Shabbat and holiday candles. The Shabbat candles are lit inside the home on the table where we eat. Chanukah candles are lit near a door or window. Why the difference?
A. The purpose of the Shabbat and holiday candles is to bring light and peace within our home. Thus, the candles are lit on the table so that we can enjoy our meals with the additional lights. The purpose of the Chanukah lights is to publicize the miracle of Chanukah and to illuminate the spiritual darkness of the outside world. Thus, the Chanukah lights are lit near the window to bring light to the outside.
Q. Why is it prohibited to have any personal benefit from the Chanukah lights?
A. Because the Chanukah lights commemorate the lights of the Menorah in the Holy Temple. Just as one was prohibited to have any personal benefit or use of the objects in the Temple, so too, we are prohibited to have any use from the Chanukah lights.
WITH SPECIAL PRAYERS FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS & REVEALED MIRACLES IN ISRAEL HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY