Living Torah Archives

We all know the story of Chanukah: With all the odds against them, the Jews were victorious over their enemies. However, when they returned to the Holy Temple, they found that all the oil for the Menorah was defiled. God made a miracle and the oil lasted for eight days until they could procure new oil that was pure.

Like the Chanukah lights that shine outside, education, too, must illuminate the “outside.” May you be blessed with a speedy recovery and have no need of a cane, and be able to dance joyously on Chanukah. (Collage)

During Chanukah in 1985, a joint rally was held at 770 for groups of seniors and young children. Addressing the gathering, the Rebbe explained their shared lessons and the rally’s special connection to Chanukah.

Chasidism is often challenged based on the fact that it’s a relatively new path in the service of the Almighty. But the laws of Chanukah actually provide an important answer for this question. The Torah and Mitzvos are our best weapon against the darkness of the world around us. As we get closer to the end of this exile and the darkness increases, it’s also necessary to add more light as a counterbalance. Jewish observance has minimums set by Jewish Law. Then there’s going beyond these minimums, to “beautify” it, which can be done in various ways. The lesson of the Chanukah lights for the year ahead is to strive to be the best Jews we can possibly be.

There are two approaches to Judaism, increasing the good or decreasing the bad. On Chanukah, and particularly on the fifth night of Chanukah, we emphasize the former by adding an extra light on each new day.

A Chanukah Rally on the first day of Chanukah, held especially for children.

Happy Chanukah to you. Chanukah means lighting all the streets around your house. It is summertime in Australia, may it be a summery Chanukah over there. (Collage)

On the 19th of Kislev, Rabbi Schneur Zalman, the first Rebbe of Chabad, was released from prison after being arrested by Czarist authorities on false charges of providing aid to the Turkish Sultan.

Both of Joseph’s dreams came true: Eleven brothers prostrated themselves to Joseph, and they bowed again after Jacob and Bilha joined them.

The Chanukah Menorah is kindled at twilight. “Twilight” represents a dual state: on the one hand, there is darkness; but at the same time, the sun is still fully there, albeit obstructed.

On the fourth night of Chanukah in 1976, the Rebbe participates in a rally for children in honor of the holiday.

It is customary on Chanukah to organize special gatherings for children. It is also the custom to make family gatherings which include activities such as playing dreidel, staging plays and distributing Chanukah gelt.

Bread, water, wine, and oil represent various dimensions in Torah.

Scenes from a “Chanukah Live” celebration which was telecast simultaneously all over the world.

The Chanukah lights are kindled after sundown. In a chasidic discourse delivered in the form of a talk, the Rebbe explains the deeper significance of this custom:

Imprisoned in Czarist Russia, the Alter Rebbe’s case was at the mercy of the hostile officials of the most powerful country in the world. Miraculously, his acquittal was ordered by the Czar himself, and he was freed on the nineteenth of Kislev.

The festival is called, “Chanukah – dedication” for it recalls the rededication of the Holy Temple after the Macabees’ victory over the Greeks. The Temple was purified and made holy, and the Jewish people renewed its service with greater love and passion than before.

Joseph had two dreams foretelling his ascendancy over his brothers. Both dreams came true: the ten brothers – including Benjamin – prostrated themselves to Joseph when they went down to Egypt the second time; and they prostrated again later after Jacob and Bilha joined them there.

The Rebbe participates in a children’s rally at 770 during Chanukah.

During the first summer of the Iranian Hostage Crisis, Chief Rabbi of Mexico Abraham Hershberg was selected by the United Nations to visit the Jewish hostages. Before leaving, the Rebbe gave him an important instruction: “Be sure to light the Chanukah menorah with them.”

A special Chanukah Rally bringing together Jewish Yeshiva and public school children.

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.

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 celebrates the Jews’ battle for G‑d’s Torah to prevail. But the mitzvah which they established to immortalize their triumph—the kindling of the Chanukah menorah—sheds light on the true nature of “Jewish victory.”

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”!