LIVING WITH MOSHIACH, Parshat Vayeishev, 5755 B"H LIVING WITH MOSHIACH Weekly Digest About Moshiach PARSHAT VAYEISHEV Kislev 22, 5755 Nov. 25, 1994 SPECIAL FEATURE: Your Chanukah Guide * Published Weekly By Lubavitch Shluchim Conferences On The Moshiach Campaign, Committee For The Blind * * * 5755 "Year of Hakhel" ********************************************* * TO RECEIVE THIS PUBLICATION VIA INTERNET: * * E-Mail: yys@dorsai.org * * FOR CHABAD-LUBAVITCH IN CYBERSPACE: * * E-Mail: info@chabad.org * ********************************************* THIS PUBLICATION IS DEDICATED TO THE REBBE, RABBI MENACHEM M. SCHNEERSON OF LUBAVITCH "I BELIEVE WITH COMPLETE FAITH IN THE ARRIVAL OF THE MOSHIACH. AND THOUGH HE MAY TARRY, I SHALL WAIT EACH DAY, ANTICIPATING HIS ARRIVAL." Maimonides, Principles of the Faith, No. 12 ********************* * TABLE OF CONTENTS * ********************* Introduction The Weekly Torah Portion The Rebbe's Prophecy Chanukah Message From the Rebbe Listen to the Lights Your Chanukah Guide The History of Chanukah How to Celebrate Chanukah Chanukah Menorah Kindling Times Menorah Kindling Blessings The Significance of Chanukah Special Customs of Chanukah The Chanukah Dreidel **************** * INTRODUCTION * **************** We are pleased to present, to the visually impaired and the blind, the sixth issue of our weekly publication, Living with Moshiach. * In this week's issue, our feature presentation focuses on the festive holiday of Chanukah, which begins Sunday night, Nov. 27, Therefore, we present here "Your Chanukah Guide," [*] and other related material about Chanukah. * Our sincere appreciation to L'Chaim weekly publication, published by the Lubavitch Youth Organization, for allowing us to use their material. Also, many thanks to our copy editor, Reb Mordechai Staiman, for his tireless efforts. * It is our fervent hope that our learning about Moshiach and the Redemption will hasten the coming of Moshiach, NOW! Rabbi Yosef Y. Shagalov Administrator Committee for the Blind E-Mail: yys@dorsai.org 10 Kislev, 5755, Year of Hakhel Brooklyn, New York ------------------ *. Published by Prestige Litho. *************************************** * THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION * * Adapted from the Works of the Rebbe * *************************************** PARSHAT VAYEISHEV This week's Torah portion, Vayeishev, chronicles Joseph's trials and tribulations from the time he left his father's house and was sold into slavery until his eventual appointment to the position of second in command of the entire land of Egypt. But Joseph was more than just an individual, and his life showed the path that the Jewish nation would take. Indeed, Joseph's life closely parallels the life of every Jew, and, by studying his story, we can better understand our own mission in life. Joseph began his life by enjoying the comfort of his father's household. The most beloved of Jacob's children, Joseph enjoyed a special relationship with his father. Not only did Jacob make him the famous coat of many colors, but he also learned Torah with him day and night, while the other brothers were busy shepherding the flocks. For Joseph, this period was his happiest, both spiritually and physically. This situation is analogous to the condition of the Jewish soul before coming into the body. A "veritable part of G-d," it exists on the highest plane, enjoying the proximity of only holiness and G-dly light. Even when the soul has descended into this world and is in the fetus, it still enjoys the luxury of learning the entire Torah before the baby is born. But suddenly, Joseph's idyllic existence was interrupted-- "Joseph was brought down to Egypt." Sold as a slave, his situation continued to deteriorate until he found himself a prisoner in Pharaoh's jail. Spiritually as well, Joseph could not have been in a worse situation. Plucked from the refuge of the tent of learning Torah, Joseph was dropped directly into the most corrupt and depraved civilization of his era. This symbolizes the soul's dramatic descent into this world. No longer can it bask in G-d's glory--the soul finds itself trapped in a physical body, subject to its whims and fancies. It must endure the temptations to which the body is drawn, and overcome all sorts of trials. The soul longs to return to its source above. Yet we learn that Joseph triumphed and attained an even higher position than he had enjoyed while in his father's house. Joseph was victorious spiritually as well, as the Torah calls him, "Joseph the Righteous," for, despite his elevation to high office, Joseph retained his purity and goodness. He turned his descent to Egypt into triumph and ascent, emerging the master and ruler. This, then, is the purpose of the soul's journey down into this world and its imprisonment within the body: Our task is to subjugate the Evil Inclination and conduct our lives according to the dictates of Torah. Overcoming the obstacles which try to prevent us from doing mitzvot, enables us to attain greater spirituality than would have been possible had the soul remained above. ************************ * THE REBBE'S PROPHECY * ************************ The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson of Lubavitch, issued a call that "THE TIME OF OUR REDEMPTION HAS ARRIVED!" and "MOSHIACH IS ON HIS WAY!" The Rebbe stressed that he is saying this AS A PROPHECY, and asks us all to prepare ourselves for the Redemption, through increasing acts of goodness and kindness. LET US ALL HEED THE REBBE'S CALL. ******************************************* * IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY DEAR GRANDFATHER * * * * Reb Shmuel Pesach Ben Reb Yaakov Dovid * * Passed away on 3 Tishrei, 5755 * * Pais * ******************************************* ************************************* * CHANUKAH MESSAGE FROM THE REBBE * ************************************* Dear Friend: The Chanukah lights which are kindled in the darkness of night recall to our minds memories of the past: the war that the Hasmoneans waged against huge Syrian armies, their victory, the dedication of the Temple, the rekindling of the Menorah, the small quantity of oil that lasted for many days, and so on. Let's picture ourselves members of the little band of Hasmoneans in those days. We are under the domination of a powerful Syrian King; many of our brethren have left us and accepted the idolatry and way of life of the enemy. But our leaders, the Hasmoneans, do not commence action by comparing numbers and weapons, and weighing our chances of victory. The Holy Temple has been invaded by a cruel enemy. The Torah and our faith are in grave danger. The enemy has trampled upon everything holy to us and is trying to force us to accept his way of life which is that of idol worship, injustice, and similar traits altogether foreign to us. There is but one thing for us to do - to adhere all the closer to our religion and precepts, and to fight against the enemy even if we have to die in this fight. And wonder of wonders! The huge Syrian armies are beaten, the vast Syrian Empire is defeated, our victory is complete. This chapter of our history has repeated itself frequently. We, as Jews, have always been outnumbered; many tyrants attempted to destroy us because of our faith. Sometimes they aimed their poisoned arrows at our bodies, sometimes at our souls, and, sad to say, many of our brethren have for one reason or another turned away from G-d and His Torah and tried to make life easier by accepting the rule of the conqueror. In such times of distress we must always be like that faithful band of Hasmoneans, and remember that there is always a drop of "pure olive oil" hidden deep in the heart of every Jew, which, if kindled, bursts into a big flame. This drop of "pure olive oil" is the "Perpetual Light" that *must* and *will* pierce the darkness of our present night, until everyone of us will behold the fulfillment of the prophet's promise for our ultimate redemption and triumph. And like in the days of the Hasmoneans "the wicked will once again be conquered by the righteous, and the arrogant by those who follow G-d's laws, and our people Israel will have a great salvation." With Chanukah Greetings, RABBI MENACHEM M. SCHNEERSON ************************ * LISTEN TO THE LIGHTS * ************************ "Listen to the Chanukah lights," the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn used to tell his chasidim. Each light, has a unique tale and a profound message. * The Hebrew word Chanukah shares the same root as the word Chinuch--education. During Chanukah we focus our attention on matters affecting the Jewish education of children. For this reason it is also traditional to give Chanukah gelt to children after testing them on Jewish subjects. * Women played an integral role in Chanukah. The heroic stories of Chana and Yehudit are well known. Lesser known is the following tale: If a boy was born to the wife of one who was hiding to avoid the decrees of the Greeks, the mother circumcised the child on the eighth day though the Greeks had forbidden circumcision. Then she went up on the wall of Jerusalem and hurled herself and her child from the wall to certain death. According to our Sages, she was thereby saying to her husband and brothers who had gone into hiding to escape war: "If you will not go out to fight, you will have neither children nor wives, and you will be annihilated. "We will observe what is holy to us, not in hiding, but publicly. "If you intend to save us, emerge from your caves, and fight against the enemy till you destroy him. G-d will be with you!" It was only after some women did this that Mattityahu and his five sons arose like lions. * There are allusions in the Torah to Chanukah, though the events leading up to the festival occurred much later: "In the beginning, G-d created the Heavens and the earth... and G-d said, 'Let there be light...'." Light--ohr--is the 25th word in the Torah. The rededication of the Holy Temple and the relighting of the Menorah took place on the 25th of the month of Kislev. When the Jews traveled through the Sinai desert, they stopped 42 times. The 25th place where they encamped was Hasmona. Mattityahu, the head of the Hasmonai family, led the revolt against the Greeks. The Sanctuary in the desert was completed on the 25th of Kislev, eight months after the Exodus from Egypt. But it was not dedicated until three months later. Jewish teachings explain that the 25th of Kislev was set aside for the future rededication of the Holy Temple by the Maccabees. * One of the greatest miracles of the oil that lasted for eight and not one day was the miracle of Jewish Faith. That the Jews did not despair from lighting the menorah even the first day, though knowing that they would be unable the following day to fulfill the mitzva of keeping a perpetual lamp burning, was in itself a great miracle. * Under the circumstances, it was permissible to use the impure oil found after the war to keep the menorah lit. But the Jews insisted on using only undefiled oil, which was not obtainable for eight days. They were declaring: "We're not interested in the compromises that the Hellenists have been trying to sell us." For the decrees of the Greeks were intended to reduce the emphasis on the holiness and Divinity of the Torah. * Oil, upon which the miracle of Chanukah is based, is an interesting substance. It is not required for our day-to-day existence and is never served alone as a food. It is used to add flavor and is thus associated with pleasure. Oil is a metaphor for the inner teachings of the Torah--Chasidut. Study of Chasidut adds pleasure to our observance of mitzvot. Oil, like Chasidut, has the potential to illuminate. When we light a candle in a room, the contents of the room are revealed. Similarly, studying Chasidut serves to reveal not only more of our own personal potential and energy but also helps to reveal the G-dliness in the world around us. * "In those days at this time." These words, recited on Chanukah, hint at an amazing Jewish mystical concept. The spiritual energy that was evident during a particular event is reinstated in the world on the anniversary of that event. "At this time" we can draw on the energy of "those days." The eight days of Chanukah are an auspicious time to wage spiritual battles against evil, impurity and corruption within and without. And certainly we will be victorious, as in those days. * The light created by G-d on the first day of Creation was not the light of the sun, moon or stars; those heavenly bodies were not created until the fourth day. The light of the first day was a spiritual light, hidden when Adam and Eve sinned and which will be revealed for eternity in the Messianic Era. Within each Jew is a spark of this holy and eternal light which will ultimately be fully revealed within each of us, with the imminent revelation of Moshiach. ***************************** * YOUR CHANUKAH GUIDE * *---------------------------* * Kislev 25 - Tevet 2, 5755 * * Nov. 27 - Dec. 5, 1994 * ***************************** An Introduction Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, is among the most widely celebrated of Jewish holidays. It is a time for happy family gatherings around the menorah, for children's songs and sizzling potato latkes and games of "dreidel." For many of us, it brings back fond memories of childhood, or serves to renew our sense of Jewish identity. Yet Chanukah is rarely appreciated for its full significance. What are its deeper teachings, its historical origins, its relevance for today? Surely Chanukah means more than just kids' parties or nostalgia for times gone by. Your Chanukah Guide is designed to provide the practical details as well as some insights into the "inner dimension" of Chanukah observance. We hope it serves you well. ***************************** * THE HISTORY OF CHANUKAH * ***************************** Under Syrian Rule It was in the time of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, nearly twenty-two centuries ago, when the events took place that we commemorate each year at Chanukah time. The Jewish people had returned to the Land of Israel from the Babylonian Exile, and had rebuilt the Holy Temple. But they remained subject to the domination of imperial powers, first, the Persian Empire, then later, the conquering armies of Alexader the Great. Upon the death of Alexander, his vast kingdom was divided among his generals. After a power struggle that engulfed all the nations of the Middle East, Israel found itself under the sway of the Seleucid dynasty, Greek kings who reigned from Syria. Alexander Bows to the High Priest The Talmud relates that when Alexander the Great and his conquering legions advanced upon Jerusalem, they were met by a delegation of elders, led by the High Priest Shimon HaTzaddik. When Alexander saw Shimon approaching, he dismounted and prostrated himself before the Jewish Sage. To his astonished men, Alexander explained that each time he went into battle, he would see a vision in the likeness of this High Priest leading the Greek troops to victory. In gratitude, and out of profound respect for the spiritual power of the Jews, Alexander was a kind and generous ruler. He canceled the Jewish taxes during Sabbatical years, and even offered animals to be sacrificed on his behalf in the Temple. Unfortunately, history would show that Alexander's heirs failed to sustain his benevolence. The "Madman" Though at first, the rule of the Seleucids was rather benign, there soon arose a new king, Antiochus IV, who was to wage a bloody war upon the Jews, a war that would threaten not just their physical lives, but also their very spiritual existence. Over the years of Greek domination, many Jews had begun to embrace the Greek culture and its hedonistic, pagan way of life. These Jewish Hellenists became willing pawns in Antiochus's scheme to obliterate every trace of the Jewish religion. The Holy Temple was invaded, desecrated, and looted of all its treasures. Vast numbers of innocent people were massacred, and the survivors were heavily taxed. Antiochus placed an idol of Zeus on the holy altar, and forced the Jews to bow before it under penalty of death. And he forbade the Jewish people to observe their most sacred traditions, such as the Sabbath and the rite of circumcision. Antiochus went so far as to proclaim himself a god, taking the name "Antiochus Epiphanies" - the Divine. But even his own followers mocked him as "Antiochus Epimanes" - the madman. Jason and Menelaus His Hebrew name was Joshua. But he changed his name, as did many among the Hellenists, to Jason. And he offered King Antiochus a generous bribe to depose the High Priest and appoint him to the coveted position. It was the beginning of the end to the integrity of the Temple Priesthood. The "High Priest" Jason erected a gymnasium near the Temple, and proceeded to corrupt his fellow Jews with pagan customs and licentious behavior. But before long, another Hellenized Jew, Menelaus, beat Jason at his own game and bought the High Priesthood with an even bigger bribe, financed with the golden vessels pilfered from the Temple. Jason then amassed an army and attacked Menelaus in the Holy City, massacring many of his own countrymen. Antiochus interpreted this civil squabble as a revolt against his throne, and sent his armies into Jerusalem, plundering the Temple and murdering tens of thousands of Jews. It was neither the first time, nor the last, that assimilation and strife brought calamity upon the Jewish people. The Turning Point In every city and town, altars were erected with statues of the Greek gods and goddesses. Soldiers rounded up the Jews and forcibly compelled them to make offerings, and to engage in other immoral acts customary to the Greeks. As Antiochus's troops tightened their grip on the nation, the Jews seemed incapable of resistance. It was in the small village of Modin, a few miles east of Jerusalem, that a single act of heroism turned the tide of Israel's struggle, and altered her destiny for all time. Mattityahu, patriarch of the priestly Hasmonean clan, stepped forward to challenge the Greek soldiers and those who acquiesced to their demands. Backed by his five sons, he attacked the troops, slew the idolaters, and destroyed the idols. With a cry of "All who are with G-d, follow me!" he and a courageous circle of partisans retreated to the hills, where they gathered forces to overthrow the oppression of Antiochus and his collaborators. Guerrilla Warfare The army of Mattityahu, now under the command of his son Yehuda Maccabee, grew daily in numbers and in strength. With the biblical slogan, "Who is like You among the mighty ones, O G-d?" emblazoned on their shields, they would swoop down upon the Syrian troops under cover of darkness and scatter the oppressors, then return to their encampments in the hills. Only six thousand strong, they defeated a heavily armed battalion of forty-seven thousand Syrians. Enraged, Antiochus sent an even larger army against them, and in the miraculous, decisive battle at Bet Tzur, the Jewish forces emerged victorious. From there, they proceeded on to Jerusalem, where they liberated the city and reclaimed the Holy Temple. They cleared the Sanctuary of the idols, rebuilt the altar, and prepared to resume the Divine Service. A central part of the daily service in the Temple was the kindling of the brilliant lights of the Menorah. Now, with the Temple about to be rededicated, only one small cruse of the pure, sacred olive oil was found. It was only one day's supply, and they knew it would take more than a week for the special process required to prepare more oil. Undaunted, in joy and thanksgiving, the Maccabees lit the lamps of the Menorah with the small amount of oil, and dedicated the Holy Temple anew. And miraculously, as if in confirmation of the power of their faith, the oil did not burn out, and the flames shone brightly for eight full days. The following year, our Sages officially proclaimed the festival of Chanukah as a celebration lasting eight days, in perpetual commemoration of this victory over religious persecution. ******************************* * HOW TO CELEBRATE CHANUKAH * ******************************* Kindle the Chanukah menorah on each of the eight nights of Chanukah. For the dates and times see the "Chanukah Menorah Kindling Times." Use olive oil or paraffin candles, large enough to burn until half an hour after nightfall, for the lights of the menorah. Use a "shamesh" (service candle) to kindle the lights, and place it in its special place on the menorah. For the number of lights and the order of kindling, see the "Chanukah Menorah Kindling Times." Before kindling, recite the blessings, and after kindling recite, "We kindle these lights..." All members of the family should be present at the kindling of the Chanukah lights. Have all young boys kindle their own Chanukah menorahs and all young girls light their own Shabbat candles. Students and singles, who live in a dormitory or in their own apartments, should kindle menorahs in their own rooms. The Chanukah lights are kindled either in the front window or by a doorway, opposite the Mezuzah. (In a Hotel, for example, or where there is no Mezuzah, the menorah is placed on the right side of the door.) On Friday afternoon the Chanukah lights (which will burn until 1/2 hour after nightfall) are kindled *BEFORE* the Shabbat candles are lit. FROM THE TIME THE SHABBAT CANDLES ARE LIT UNTIL SHABBAT ENDS AND THE HAVDALAH (separation between Shabbat and weekday) PRAYER IS RECITED, THE CHANUKAH MENORAH SHOULD NOT BE RELIT, MOVED OR PREPARED. *AFTER* SHABBAT ENDS, the Chanukah lights for Saturday night are kindled. ************************************* * CHANUKAH MENORAH KINDLING TIMES * ************************************* FOR CHANUKAH KINDLING TIMES IN YOUR AREA, AND FOR A CHANUKAH KIT, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CHABAD-LUBAVITCH CENTER. For a listing of the Centers in your area, call: 1-800-Lubavitch (1-800-582-2848.) SUNDAY, NOV. 27, - 1 candle. After Nightfall. Blessings # 1, 2 & 3 MONDAY, NOV. 28, - 2 candles. After Nightfall. Blessings # 1 & 2 TUESDAY, NOV. 29, - 3 candles. After Nightfall. Blessings # 1 & 2 WEDNESDAY, NOV. 30, - 4 candles. After Nightfall. Blessings # 1 & 2 THURSDAY, DEC. 1, - 5 candles. After Nightfall. Blessings # 1 & 2 FRIDAY, DEC. 2, - 6 candles. *BEFORE* Shabbat Candle lighting. Blessings # 1 & 2 SAT., DEC. 3, - 7 candles. *AFTER* Shabbat ends and Havdalah is recited. Blessings # 1 & 2 SUNDAY, DEC. 4, - 8 candles. After Nightfall. Blessings # 1 & 2 ******************************** * MENORAH KINDLING BLESSINGS * ******************************** Before kindling the lights, recite: #1 BO-RUCH A-TOH ADO-NOI E-LO-HEI-NU ME-LECH HO-OLOM A-SHER KI-DE-SHO-NU BE-MITZ-VO-SOV VE-TZI-VO-NU LE-HAD-LIK NER CHA-NU-KAH. Translation: Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us by His commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the lights of Chanukah. #2 BO-RUCH A-TOH ADO-NOI E-LO-HEI-NU ME-LECH HO-OLOM SHE-O-SO NI-SIM LA-AVO-SEI-NU BA-YO-MIM HO-HEIM BI-Z'MAN HA-ZEH. Translation: Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who wrought miracles for our fathers in days of old, at this season. #3 The following blessing is said only on the first evening (or the first time one kindles the lights this Chanukah): BO-RUCH A-TOH ADO-NOI E-LO-HEI-NU ME-LECH HO-OLOM SHE-HECHE-YO-NU VE-KI-YI-MO-NU VE-HIGI-O-NU LIZ-MAN HA-ZEH. Translation: Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has kept us alive, and has preserved us, and enabled us to reach this season. * * * AFTER KINDLING THE LIGHTS, THE FOLLOWING IS RECITED: We kindle these lights (to commemorate) the saving acts, miracles and wonders which You have performed for our forefathers, in those days at this time, through Your holy kohanim. Throughout the eight days of Chanukah, these lights are sacred, and we are not permitted to make use of them, but only to look at them, in order to offer thanks and praise to Your great Name for Your miracles, for Your wonders and for Your salvations. ************************************* * THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CHANUKAH * * Based on the Works of the Rebbe * ************************************* At War With the Soul King Antiochus was not out to annihilate the Jewish people (G-d forbid) or to enslave us, or drive us from our land. The Greeks were at war not with our physical existence, but with our souls. Their aim was to strip our way of life of its spirituality, of its holiness. It was acceptable, in the eyes of the Hellenists, for Jews to identify as Jews, and even to study Torah and do mitzvot, provided that we were willing to forsake the G-dliness of Torah. The pragmatic materialism of Greek culture left no room for our special relationship with G-d. This idea has particular significance in the modern world. Today, thank G-d, the majority of world Jewry lives in relative material comfort. Democratic society affirms our basic rights of survival, and many opportunities are available to Jews that were denied us in more oppressive times. These blessings, however, have also made it easy to overlook the very source of our strength as a people. Like the Hellenists of old, today's prevailing secular culture, with its emphasis on materialism and hedonism, can obscure the spiritual aspect of life. The Chanukah lights are sacred. As we say in the prayer after lighting the menorah, "We are not permitted to make use of them, only to look at them, and offer thanks and praise... for Your miracles, for Your wonders, and for Your salvations." We affirm the supremacy of spiritual light over coarse materialism, of Divine wisdom over human limitations. We recognize that the world in which we live is not an end in itself, but exists to serve a higher spiritual purpose. Illuminating the Darkness A great rabbi once remarked that "You cannot chase away darkness with a stick, you have to turn on the light." The way to eliminate darkness--to rid the world of ignorance, negativity, hatred and greed--is to kindle the lights of knowledge, generosity, hope and love. The Chanukah menorah is lit only after nightfall. This signifies that our purpose is to illuminate the darkness of this world, until the time when, as the prophet says, "the world will be filled with the knowledge of G-d." It may be difficult for us to perceive G-dliness in our everyday lives. But Chanukah reminds us, even in our darkest moments, that the light of knowledge can shine brightly, that redemption is at hand, if we will kindle just one more lamp. Spreading the Light The menorah is lit either in the doorway, or in a front window, so that it can be seen outside in the street. This teaches us that it is not enough to bring light into our own private domain. We must spread the light and warmth of Torah to the outer environment as well, as far as our influence can reach. Brighter and Brighter Each night of Chanukah we add another light to the menorah, until all eight lamps shine on the eighth night. This signifies that in matters of holiness, we must always be on the increase. With every added flame, we go from strength to strength in deepening our commitment to the values and traditions of our Jewish way of life. Defiling the Oil The Syrian-Greek desecration of the Holy Temple was another example of their determination to destroy the sanctity of Jewish life. The worship of one invisible, omnipotent G-d was replaced with the worship of pagan deities made in the image of man. The Torah tells us that "the soul of man is the lamp of G-d." Just as oil permeates the olive, the Divine soul permeates the Jew; and just as the oil burning in the menorah spreads light, the Jewish soul illuminates the world in the performance of good deeds. In defiling the sacred oil of the menorah, the Greeks tried to destroy the Jewish soul. One Cruse of Pure Oil But the soul cannot be extinguished. Miraculously, despite the best efforts of the oppressors, one cruse of pure oil remained in the Temple, and one cruse was enough to rededicate the Temple and renew the holy task of spreading light throughout the world. Miracles for Today The lights of the Chanukah menorah are more than simply a reminder of ancient miracles, they are meant to provide inspiration and illumination in our contemporary daily lives. In fact, in a very real sense, the Chanukah miracles of old are reenacted in our observance today. That is one reason why we say, in the second blessing recited over the Chanukah lights, "...Blessed are You... who wrought miracles for our ancestors, in those days, *at this time."* By reflecting upon the significance of the Chanukah miracles, we can see, with ever-increasing clarity, the miraculous dimension of events in our own time. What Is a Miracle? Ordinarily, the routine of our day-to-day existence suggests that life is predictable, that events take place according to a natural order, a chain of cause and effect. We may not readily recognize that even "natural" phenomena are, in essence, evidence of the miraculous hand of G-d, until our hearts are stirred by a beautiful sunset, or a glimpse of wildflowers in bloom... But there is another sort of miracle: an event so striking, so far beyond rational explanation, that we cannot help but recognize it as miraculous. This is the kind of miracle that Chanukah calls to mind. When one day's supply of oil lasts eight full days, we sit up and take notice. When an ill-equipped handful of Maccabees succeed in vanquishing all the assembled forces of a mighty imperial oppressor, we realize that nothing is impossible for G-d. Redemption, Against All Odds In the time of King Antiochus, the fate of the Jewish people seemed grim indeed. The vastly outnumbered Maccabees were up against the world's most sophisticated military machine. They faced opposition from within as well. Many of their brethren were meek, complacent, and all too willing to forsake their heritage and assimilate into the Hellenistic culture. It was the proverbial "darkest hour before the dawn." Yet, sure enough, with the dawn, came the miraculous, unprecedented victory. With G-d's help and against all odds, the Maccabees were able to reclaim the Holy Land and rededicate the Holy Temple. Throughout the ages, Chanukah has signified the miraculous triumph of the weak over the strong, the pure over the impure, the righteous over the wicked. Whenever the integrity of the Jewish people is under siege, no matter how dark the night, the Chanukah lights proclaim with confidence that the dawn of deliverance is near. The Ultimate Miracle Today, the Chanukah lights have special relevance. Many among us despair of ever witnessing the dawn of redemption. After nearly two thousand years, it may seem that the cold, hard realities of exile have all but erased our age-old faith in the coming of Moshiach, who will lead us toward a perfect world. But Chanukah reminds us that G-d grants redemption in the blink of an eye, that the light of G-dliness can brighten even the darkest night. With every lamp we kindle, with each good deed we do, we shed more light upon the world, and the darkness has already begun to disperse. Who could have imagined, a few short years ago, that communism would crumble, that entrenched totalitarian regimes would turn toward democracy, that hundreds of thousands of oppressed Jews would suddenly be free to emigrate to the Promised Land? Isaiah's messianic prophecy was that the nations of the world will "beat swords into plowshares." It's been our dream for centuries; it may well be tomorrow's headline. Eight Days, Eight Lights Our Sages explain that there is particular significance in the fact that the Chanukah menorah has *eight* lamps, and that we celebrate the Festival for *eight* days. In the Holy Temple, the golden Menorah kindled each day in the Sanctuary had only seven lamps. The number seven represents the natural cycle of time: the seven days of the week, corresponding to the six days of Creation and the seventh, the Sabbath Day. Throughout history, since G-d created the world, time has been measured according to this seven-day cycle. The number eight, however, represents a level that is higher than nature, and above time. This is the level of the miraculous, which is not bound by the laws of nature. It is especially fitting that we celebrate the miracle of Chanukah with eight lamps, culminating on the eighth day... for the number eight is also associated with the revelation of Moshiach, may he come speedily, in our days! ********************************* * SPECIAL CUSTOMS OF CHANUKAH * ********************************* Special Prayers for Chanukah During the eight days of Chanukah, we recite the "V'Al HaNissim" liturgy in the Amidah (Silent Prayer) for morning, afternoon, and evening, as well as in the Grace After Meals. In the morning service, we also say "Hallel," songs of praise taken from the Psalms of David. In addition, there is a special reading from the Torah Scroll each morning in the synagogue. Chanukah Gelt On Chanukah, it is traditional to give all children Chanukah gelt (money). Of course, this beautiful custom adds to the children's happiness and festive spirit. In addition, it affords us an opportunity to give them positive reinforcement for exemplary behavior, such as diligence in their studies, and acts of charity. Potato Latkes Recipe Because of the great significance of oil in the story of the Chanukah miracle, it is traditional to serve foods cooked in oil. Among the most popular Chanukah dishes is this recipe for delicious Potato Latkes. 5 large potatoes, peeled 1 large onion 4 eggs 1/3 cup matzo meal 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/3 cup oil for frying Grate potatoes and onion on the fine side of grater, or in food processor or through blender with a little water added to it. Add eggs and mix well. Add matzo meal and seasoning and mix well. Heat oil in frying pan, then add mixture one tablespoon at a time into frying pan. When golden brown, turn over and brown on other side. ************************** * THE CHANUKAH DREIDEL * ************************** Playing Dreidel The dreidel is a four-sided spinning top, also called a s'vivon, in Hebrew. On each side is a Hebrew letter: Nun, Gimel, Hay, and Shin. The letters stand for the phrase, "Nes Gadol Hayah Sham - a great miracle happened there." It is traditionally used to play a lively Chanukah game. Each player places some raisins, candies, or nuts into a kitty, and the players take turns spinning the dreidel. Nun means nothing, you win nothing, you lose nothing. Gimel means you take all. Hay means you win half of what is in the kitty. Shin means you lose, and must put more into the kitty. The Origin of the Dreidel The Syrians decreed that the teaching or studying of Torah was a crime punishable by death or imprisonment. But the children defiantly studied in secret; and when Syrian patrols were spotted, they would pretend to be playing an innocent game of dreidel. ******************** * HAPPY CHANUKAH * ******************** . . . and May this Festival of Lights bring Blessings upon You and All Your Loved Ones for Happiness, for Health, and for Spiritual and Material Wealth, and May the Lights of Chanukah Usher in the Light of Moshiach and a Better World for All of Humankind. ============================================================== = End of Text: Living With Moshiach, Parshat Vayeishev, 5755 = ==============================================================