VOLUME 108 NUMBER 9
Teves 3, 5784
December 15, 2023
PARSHAS MIKEITZ
Candlelighting Time 4:18 PM
We are in the middle of this wonderful Yom Tov called Chanukah. And we know that we light the Menorah for eight nights to publicize the miracle that took place at that time. The powerful Greek army was destroyed by a ragtag group that were not true soldiers and then we were unable to find pure oil with which to kindle the Menorah. We found one flask and then the next seven days the Menorah was lit without any oil available. Therefore, we commemorate this incredible miracle and light the Menorah for eight days. However, the question is why was the first night a miraculous event. After all, they had found the flask and it was enough for that night. There are many answers given to address this issue, we will explain another angle from the Kedushas Levi, the Berditchever.
Our Sages instituted a special prayer to be added during Chanukah. A list of the extraordinary incidents that occurred is mentioned. Amongst them is that the mighty were defeated by the weak. The simple understanding of this refers to the fact that the Hasmoneans were outnumbered, outgunned and lacking any combat training or experience. Nonetheless, Hashem provided them with Divine assistance to defeat a much more powerful and highly proficient army of thousands of soldiers. Certainly, there is much truth to that assertion. However, Kedushas Levi presents a novel interpretation which actually rings true in all generations but perhaps in today’s vogue of Israel defending itself against enemies from all sides it is really evident!
The world that we live in is dictated by a cause-and-effect theme. However, it is necessary to pinpoint the cause. The effect that has resulted is very clear and obvious. What is not always transparent is the cause. We are hasty to assume that our efforts to accomplish are the actual reason for what has transpired. However, we are also too clever and forget that we have a partner in all that we do. Of course, we have business partners, consultants and wives that are very instrumental in guiding us to make astute decisions. The most important partner that we have is Hashem. Although He is discreet but He is very involved and exceedingly influential and contributory to the success that we enjoy. And we are remarkably gifted in disregarding His exceptionally crucial interest and connection. One might even comment that we are feeble minded in that perception of the true reality of what is taking place.
This is the meaning of the mighty were conquered by the weak. It refers to the feeble minded. The Hasmoneans overcame their lack of cognizance and realized that such a formidable adversary was not eliminated by their brilliant military strategy rather it was a victory engineered from Above. And even though they fought bravely against the Greek army, certainly their combat skills did not play a role at all in routing this powerful enemy. This enlightening insight illuminates our mind through the flame of the Menorah lights. That radiance of light from the Menorah infuses and pervades our mind with a clear grasp of the reality of how we won. Therefore, we light eight days to capture and ingest that comprehension of the true nature of our victory. This lesson applied then, in all generations hence with the challenges that we confronted and definitely in today’s situation in our struggle against terrorists that are bent on murdering every single Jew from the ‘river to the sea.’ We must continue to be strong in our devotion to Hashem and truly believe that our salvation is only dependent upon His mercy and compassion. Of course, we admire the courage and valor of the IDF soldiers, but in the final analysis we must acknowledge and staunchly tribute our victories and successes to the fundamental wellspring of our achievements, Hashem.
A BYTE FOR SHABBOS
The entire aspiration of the Hasmoneans was to glorify the Name of Hashem and therefore they were incredibly victorious against a much greater and dominant army.
CHOFETZ CHAIM
GOOD SHABBOS
WE ARE PAINED AND DISTRESSED AS WE HEAR ABOUT THE ONGOING DEATHS AND CASUALTIES THAT ARE TAKING PLACE AS WE DEFEND OURSELVES AGAINST OUR ADVERSARIES. CERTAINLY, THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN THEIR LIVES FOR THE SAKE OF DEFENDING OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN ERETZ YISROEL HAVE A SPECIAL PLACE IN OUR HEARTS AND TO HASHEM. WE DAVEN AND WE LEARN TORAH AS AN INSPIRATION FOR THOSE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN AND TO ADD THEIR MERITS TO PROTECT THEM AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME. JUST AS WE WITNESSED MIRACLES SO MANY YEARS AGO IT SHOULD BE THE WILL OF HASHEM TO INTERVENE AND GRANT SUCCESS IN OUR BATTLES AGAINST THE ENEMY.
