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"LIVING WITH MOSHIACH,"
Parshat Vayeishev, 5763

Kislev 24, 5763
Nov. 29, 2002

SPECIAL FEATURE:
Your Chanukah Guide - 5763

For our Virtual Chanukah Menorah, go to:
http://www.moshiach.net/blind/index.htm

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"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

THIS PUBLICATION IS DEDICATED
TO THE REBBE,
RABBI MENACHEM M. SCHNEERSON
OF LUBAVITCH

Click here, to see pictures of the Rebbe
The Daily Sicha (in Real Audio) - Listen to selected excerpts of the Rebbe's Sichos
[talks] which are relevant to the particular day.

INTRODUCTION

We are pleased to present, to the visually impaired and the blind, our weekly publication, Living With Moshiach.

*

In this week's issue, we focus on the festive holiday of Chanukah, which begins on Friday night, Nov. 29.

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

14 Kislev, 5763
Brooklyn, New York

_______________

*. Published by Prestige Litho.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY DEAR COUSIN
Mrs. Raizel (Rosa) bas Reb Tzvi Hirsh
Rivkin
Passed away on 12 Kislev, 5763
* * *
Dedicated by
her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren

THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION
Adapted from the Works of the Rebbe

Parshat Vayeishev

At first glance, this week's Torah portion, Vayeishev, chronicles the circumstances leading to Joseph's appointment as second in command over Egypt, subordinate only to Pharaoh. Yet, upon examination, we find that Joseph's story is synonymous with the history of the Jews.

Joseph, the pride of his father, at the age of 17 is suddenly plucked from his secure environment, his family, and his country. Sold into slavery and finding himself in a foreign land, he must now cope with the most adverse and cruel of circumstances. Worst of all, Joseph is not to blame, for all this has come about through no action of his own.

A lesser individual would have surely succumbed to bitterness and depression. Another might have become indifferent. But Joseph realized that he must deal with the reality that presented itself. As the servant of Potifar, he fulfilled his duties to the best of his ability. It soon became apparent even to Potifar that it was in Joseph's merit that his household enjoyed its material blessings.

This, then, is the task of every Jew: No matter how adverse the circumstances, each Jew must live up to his full potential and fulfill his duties to the best of his ability.

But how was Joseph repaid for his loyalty? He was thrown into prison! Why? Because he refused to betray his master by succumbing to the advances of the master's wife. Not only didn't Joseph's honesty and integrity bring him any positive benefits, these very qualities caused him to be incarcerated. Was Joseph discouraged? Did he reject his lifestyle and renounce his high standards? Joseph's response to adversity was to continue in the same path, acting honestly and in good faith. Eventually his behavior and virtue drew the attention of his jailers.

This is the history of the Jew as well: No matter how depraved and corrupt his surroundings, he remains undeterred from his faith in G-d and His Torah.

When Joseph noticed that two of his fellow inmates, Pharaoh's chief butler and chief baker, were distressed for some reason, he rushed to their aid, without thought of rejoicing at their misfortune or of taking revenge for the role they played in his downfall. Joseph could not bear to see people in need, and so he immediately offered his assistance. He was able to bring them relief by interpreting their respective dreams.

In return, Joseph did not ask for monetary payment or special treatment. He merely requested that the chief butler mention his name to Pharaoh when he was freed, which he didn't do. In his unbending faith in the goodness of man and in ultimate justice, Joseph believed that fairness would prevail if only Pharaoh was presented with the facts.

This theme has been played out time and again in Jewish history. Joseph unfortunately learned the hard way that this world is full of lies and deception. Yet when he later found himself in a position of almost unlimited power, he refused to exact revenge on those who had harmed him. This is not the way of the Jew. Joseph faithfully used his office to steer the Egyptians and the whole world from potential catastrophe during the years of famine, enacting, for the first time, the historic role the Jews have played during their exile among the nations.

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.

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 every one 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

YOUR CHANUKAH GUIDE
Kislev 25 - Tevet 2, 5763
Nov. 29 - Dec. 7, 2002

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 Alexander 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 against 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 6,000 strong, they defeated a heavily armed battalion of 47,000 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, on Friday afternoon, have 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.

Please Note:

The candle is placed on the extreme right of the menorah. The "newest" candle is always added to the left of the one that was lit the previous night, and is first to be lit (i.e., on the second night we light the second candle, and then we light the candle of the previous night, proceeding from left to right; and so on, on each of the other nights).

CHANUKAH MENORAH
KINDLING TIMES

For Chanukah Menorah 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:
http://www.candlelightingtimes.org/general/shluchim.html.
In the USA, call: 1-800-Lubavitch (1-800-582-2848).

Times shown are for Metro NY - NJ

FRIDAY, NOV. 29 - 1 candle.
Before Shabbat candle lighting.
Before 4:12 p.m. Blessings # 1, 2 & 3.
For Shabbat candle lighting Blessing - See Shabbat Candle Lighting Blessing

SATURDAY, NOV. 30 - 2 candles.
After Shabbat ends and Havdalah(1) is recited.
After 5:16 p.m. Blessings # 1 & 2.

SUNDAY, DEC. 1 - 3 candles.
After Nightfall, at 5:09 p.m.
Blessings # 1 & 2.

MONDAY, DEC. 2 - 4 candles.
After Nightfall, at 5:09 p.m.
Blessings # 1 & 2.

TUESDAY, DEC. 3 - 5 candles.
After Nightfall, at 5:09 p.m.
Blessings # 1 & 2.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 4 - 6 candles.
After Nightfall, at 5:09 p.m.
Blessings # 1 & 2.

THURSDAY, DEC. 5 - 7 candles.
After Nightfall, at 5:09 p.m.
Blessings # 1 & 2.

FRIDAY, DEC. 6 - 8 candles.
Before Shabbat candle lighting.
Before 4:11 p.m. Blessings # 1 & 2.
For Shabbat candle lighting Blessing - See Shabbat Candle Lighting Blessing

_______________

1. The Short Havdalah prayer is: "Boruch Hamavdil Bein Kodesh L'chol."

-- For the long Havdalah prayer, consult your Siddur, Prayer book.

CHANUKAH 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 with His commandments,
and commanded us to kindle the Chanukah light.

#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 performed miracles for our forefathers
in those days, at this time.

#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-ye-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 granted us life, sustained us and enabled us
to reach this occasion.

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, 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." 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; this won't be in opposition to G-dliness, but, on the contrary, to be elevated by becoming a dwelling place for G-d, to the extent that it becomes unified with, and reflects, G-dliness -- in the imminent Redemption.

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 performed miracles for our forefathers 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!

THE TEMPLE MENORAH

The Menorah

The seven-branched candelabrum that we call the Menorah was one of the sacred vessels of the Holy Temple, and a magnificent work of art. Its design, as commanded in the Book of Exodus, was extraordinary -- as was the Divinely appointed manner of its construction. For the Menorah was not to be assembled from pieces, but was actually beaten from a single block of solid gold.

The Oneness of the Menorah

Our sages have noted that the oneness of the Menorah's construction symbolizes the essential unity of the Jewish people. Just as the Menorah has seven branches and seven separate lamps, there are numerous types of Jews. We differ in many ways -- in our customs, our cultural milieu, our temperament. Yet in our basic "substance," in our spiritual essence, we are one.

The Shape of the Menorah

The familiar image of the Menorah, with curved branches emanating from the center stem in a semi-circular design, is actually a misrepresentation. According to Maimonides, the great codifier of Jewish Law, the branches of the Menorah extended straight out from the stem.

The earliest known example of the mistaken image of the Menorah is engraved on the Arch of Titus in Rome. The evil Titus was the Commander of the forces of the Roman Empire who sacked Jerusalem and destroyed the Second Temple. Titus carried off the Menorah as part of the spoils of his conquest. When the triumphal Arch was constructed to commemorate his victory, the Menorah figured prominently in its design, as a symbol of his subjugation of the Jews. Apparently, however, the Arch was built before he returned to Rome, and the Menorah was therefore inaccurately depicted.

The Oil

Only the purest of olive oils was used to kindle the Menorah. To begin with, the olives had to be grown on virgin soil, which had not been artificially fertilized or irrigated. The ripe olives, freshly picked from the highest branches of the tree, were gently squeezed until the first drops emerged -- and only these first, clearest drops of oil could be used for the Menorah. The oil was stored in a secure place to ensure its ritual purity.

The Ner Maaravi

Each morning, a priest would enter the Sanctuary and approach the Menorah to prepare the lamps for rekindling. Invariably, he would find one lamp still burning, while the other six had gone out. This was the Ner Maaravi, the western lamp. Though an equal amount of oil -- enough to burn overnight -- was always placed in each of the seven lamps, this western lamp miraculously burned on until the afternoon, when its flame was used to kindle the Menorah anew. The western lamp symbolizes the eternal presence of G-d in Israel's midst.

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.

THE WEEKLY SHABBAT CALENDAR

Jewish Women and Girls Light Shabbat Candles

For local candle lighting times:
consult your local Rabbi, Chabad-Lubavitch Center, or call: (718) 774-3000.
or: http://www.candlelightingtimes.org/shabbos

For a free candle lighting kit:
contact your local Chabad-Lubavitch Center.

For a listing of the Centers in your area:
http://www.candlelightingtimes.org/general/shluchim.html.
In the USA, call: 1-800-Lubavitch (1-800-582-2848).

Times shown are for Metro NY - NJ

Friday, Nov. 29, Erev Shabbat Parshat Vayeishev:

  • Light Shabbat Candles,(2) after the first Chanukah candle is lit, by 4:12 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 30, Shabbat Parshat Vayeishev:

  • Blessing of the New Month, Tevet.(3)
  • Shabbat ends at nightfall, at 5:16 p.m.
  • Light the 2nd Chanukah candle, after Shabbat ends and Havdalah(4) is recited, after 5:16 p.m.

_______________

2. The Shabbat candles must be lit 18 minutes before sunset. It is prohibited and is a desecration of the Shabbat to light the candles after sunset.

3. Rosh Chodesh Tevet is on Thursday, Dec. 5, and Friday, Dec. 6.

4. The Short Havdalah prayer is: "Boruch Hamavdil Bein Kodesh L'chol."

-- For the long Havdalah prayer, consult your Siddur, Prayer book.

SHABBAT CANDLE LIGHTING BLESSING

  • First light the candles. Then spread your hands out around the candles, drawing your hands inward in a circular motion three times to indicate the acceptance of the sanctity of Shabbat. You then cover your eyes and recite the following blessing:

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 Shel Sha-bos Ko-desh.

Translation:

Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe,
who has sanctified us with His commandments,
and commanded us to kindle the light of the holy Shabbat.

  • Uncover your eyes and behold the Shabbat lights.

  • The time of lighting is considered especially propitious for praying to G-d for health and happiness. The prayer is readily acceptable because it is offered during the performance of this great mitzvah of lighting Shabbat candles.

CAUTION:

The Shabbat candles must be lit 18 minutes before sunset. It is prohibited and is a desecration of the Shabbat to light the candles after sunset.

Laws of Shabbat Candle Lighting for the Blind

"Let There Be Light" - The Jewish Women's Guide to Lighting Shabbat Candles.


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