Chanukah
The deepest flames are those that burn when the nights get dark and the hearts cold.
Anything compromised is Greek to those of a Divine persuasion. This is the story of the few who were victorious over the many. This is the miracle of a drop of inspiration that burned forever and on. Light is natural, and that is the greatest miracle. There are dark forces in this world that would rather drown in a storm than live in a lighthouse. For eight days and nights our fire burns, increasing in the holiness daily. We put a positive spin on everything, fry latkes, and dish out gelt (not guilt). We praise the Creator. Once upon a time the light burned supernaturally. The real miracle is that it still does.
Kabbalah of Chanukah
Each of the seven candles represents one of the emotional characteristics listed in the Zohar (the main book of the Kabbalah).
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The Ninth Flame
In pits of of Auschwitz a young boy and a gentleman light a ninth Chanukah candle, one so bright that it cannot be seen.
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Our Responsibility Is to Shine
We need to show up and radiate our true inner goodness — it is one of the best things to do for other people.
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Chanukah: Oil
Contrary to most other Jewish holidays, Chanukah focuses on the miracle of the oil as opposed to the battles involved. The spiritual dimensions of oil are discussed in light of this.
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Rabbi Dovid of Tolna’s Chanukah Question
Do we rise up to G-d, or does G-d descend to us? On Chanukah G-d descends to us an expression of G-d’s great love for His people.
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Chanukah: An American Holiday
Both the American Revolution and Chanukah’s message of freedom and transcendence is as relevant today as it was two millenniums and two centuries ago.
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Chanukah celebrates what?
The word “Chanukah” comes from the word chinuch, which means “initiation.” Chanukah celebrates the renewal of the service in the Holy Temple after it was liberated from the Greek defiler, purified, and rededicated as the seat of G-d’s manifest presence in our world.
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The Missing Festival
Other than a few parenthetical references, the Mishnah makes no mention of the story and laws of Chanukah. This explains why.
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The Shamash
Still the shammash doesn’t count. An imparter of light to others, he never attains the status of a Chanukah light in his own right.
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The Mudswamps of Hella
The Rebbe expounds on Channukah: The more you fight it, the deeper you sink, your every move counteracted by this noxious blend of water and soil….
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“I want to thank you so much for your inspiration and guidance on this journey we call life. Your books and teaching have changed my life! You give me peace and grounding. Each year I find my eye’s and senses have opened wider and see more and feel more of G-d’s hand in our world.”
-Michael Faber