B"H
Monday, Kislev 29, 5785 / December 30, 2024
Happy fifth day of Chanukah.
Q. Why is the holiday called, “Chanukah”?
A. As with other Jewish holidays there is more than one reason for the name of that holiday. Here are two:
1) “Chanukah” means “dedication.” When the Macabees reclaimed the Holy Temple from the Greeks, who defiled everything in the Temple, they had to “re-dedicate” the Temple to its former state of purity. Thus, the holiday is called Chanukah, for then the Holy Temple was re-dedicated.
2) On the “25th” day of Kislev the Jewish fighters were finally able to “rest” from their battles. “Chanukah” can be made into two Hebrew words: “Chanu” (rest) – “Kah” (numerical value of 25). The name Chanukah alludes to the fact that “They rested on the 25th." Chanukah begins on the 25th day in the Hebrew month Kislev.
Q. In the prayer recited after the lighting of the Chanukah candles we say, "During all eight days of Chanukah these lights are sacred, and we are not permitted to make use of them". What is the reason that we are not permitted to have any personal use of the Chanukah lights?
A. The Chanukah candles commemorate the lights of the menorah in the Beth Hamikdash (Holy Temple). One was prohibited from having any personal use of the holy objects of the Beth Hamikdash. Being that the Chanukah candles represent the lights of the Beth Hamikdash we are not to derive any personal benefit from them either.
Q. Why do many prefer to use olive oil and wicks instead of candles for the Chanukah lights?
A. Olive oil was used to light the menorah in the Holy Temple. Since the original miracle of Chanukah involved olive oil, using it to light the menorah commemorates the miracle more accurately.
Also, our sages compare the Jewish people to an olive. Just as the olive reveals its treasure, its oil, through being pressed, so too, the Jewish people have produced the greatest scholars during our years of exile and oppression.
The Midrash tells us that the Jewish people are compared to oil. While liquids mix with each other, oil, when mixed with other liquids, will eventually separate and float to the top. Although many nations tried to oppress and assimilate us over the past 2000 years, yet, the Jewish nation has endured and retained its unique identity.
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. But the 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 we eat the Shabbat meal 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 on the outside. Thus, the Chanukah lights are lit near the window or door to illuminate the outside.
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY & SUCCESSFUL DAY & HAPPY CHANUKAH
UNITED WE STAND WITH OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CAPTIVITY. MAY THEY ALL BE RELEASED NOW