ב"ה
Chanukah reminds every Jew that it is G-d’s eternal mandate to carry the torch of His
“Mitzvah-candle and Torah-light.” With most Mitzvos, the “candle” and “light” are not
physically visible. But with the Chanukah candles we see how fulfilling the Mitzvah creates
actual physical light that illuminates all one’s surroundings.
Children’s Rally, 25 Kislev, 5741 • December 3, 1980
The Chanukah battle and victory were immortalized by the Sages. The candles evoke the memory of the small group of Jews who fought those who had opposed the Torah.
Today, we each battle our own evil inclination as well. Our victories, as well, will be eternally remembered.
Our current mission and battle is for the coming of Moshiach, as we request three times a day during prayer. Although we only request his coming three times a day, we yearn for him “all day”!
The Torah truism that G-d’s Mitzvot were designed to refine our character, and make us better people would lead us to assume that this strategy to living life appropriately would certainly be reflected in the first Mitzvah. Yet, in identifying that very commandment, this axiom seems to ring hollow. A scriptural detail leads us to an enigmatic teaching in the Zohar, whose elucidation - drawn from profound Kabbalistic insight into human consciousness - ultimately most vividly demonstrates how the first Mitzvah does indeed provide the foundational recipe to correct character building and the maximization of our personal potential!
To error is human; to correct is kosher. In this class, we will get into the nitty gritty of hot and cold, milk and meat, and what you can do whenever they mistakenly meet. Bring your steak knife because we will be breaking down some fascinating halachic laws into bite-sized pieces that will blow your mind, so you won’t need to take a blow torch to your entire kitchen.
Exploring Rashi’s commentary on the brothers’ response to accusation of theft
Rashi analyzes the specific terminology used by Joseph’s brothers when they try to defend themselves against his accusation that they had stolen his “magical” goblet. A closer examination of Rashi reveals a powerful perspective on life’s challenges.
Children’s Rally, 25 Kislev, 5741 • December 3, 1980
The Chanukah battle and victory were immortalized by the Sages. The candles evoke the memory of the small group of Jews who fought those who had opposed the Torah.
Today, we each battle our own evil inclination as well. Our victories, as well, will be eternally remembered.
Our current mission and battle is for the coming of Moshiach, as we request three times a day during prayer. Although we only request his coming three times a day, we yearn for him “all day”!
7th Night of Chanukah, 5748 · December 21, 1987
When a Jew celebrates Chanukah, he may be confronted: “You Jews are so few compared to
the nations of the world. Yet you hold fast to your customs and commandments, ignoring what
the billions of non-Jews around you think and do… Wherein lies your strength to stand in the
face of such odds?”
Chanukah reminds every Jew that it is G-d’s eternal mandate to carry the torch of His
“Mitzvah-candle and Torah-light.” With most Mitzvos, the “candle” and “light” are not
physically visible. But with the Chanukah candles we see how fulfilling the Mitzvah creates
actual physical light that illuminates all one’s surroundings.
Two Versions of the Timeline of the Maccabee's Victory
Among the early Talmudic commentaries, there are two opinions about the chronology of events commemorated on Chanukah. One says that the war was won on the 24th of Kislev and that the first day of Chanukah, the 25th of Kislev, is the anniversary of the first day of peace. The other says that on one day, the 25th of Kislev, the Maccabees both won the war and rededicated the Temple.
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