Chanukah Praises & Happy Education! שבת וישב - חנוכה תשפ״ג
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Candle Lighting Friday December 16 - Kislev 22 Metro New York 4:12pm
Chanukah Praises & Happy Education
The future of a nation or a movement is linked to successfully educating the young generation, thereby securing a bright future. From the times of the first Jewish parents, Avrohom and Sara, nearly 4000 years ago, the Jewish home has always invested it’s greatest resources and highest priorities in education.
The Chashmonaim of the Chanukah story are a proud proof of the power of a proper Jewish education. A small group of proud educated Torah Jews overcame the mighty forces of a secular army.
The Chashmonaim of the Chanukah story are a proud proof of the power of a proper Jewish education. A small group of proud educated Torah Jews overcame the mighty forces of a secular army.
In Lekutei Torah -Vayeishev- the Alter Rebbe explains how the message of the Chanukah candles gives us the keys to a successful happy education. Especially since the word Chanukah is connected to the Hebrew word Chinuch, חינוך, which means Education.
The Alter Rebbe explains that Education means to help every child reveal their hidden abilities and actualize their full hidden potential. By praising a child about their hidde capabilities, we awaken and cause their hidden talents and strengths to be revealed. To live a full and happy productive life.
Praises and compliments touch the inner soul and inspire a person to reveal their talents and their full potential. To remove all inhibitions and to proudly abd coragously overcome the challenges and obstacles which they may encounter. To use life’s boulders of obstruction as stepping stones to reach higher and higher. To reveal their true self.
Praises and compliments touch the inner soul and inspire a person to reveal their talents and their full potential. To remove all inhibitions and to proudly abd coragously overcome the challenges and obstacles which they may encounter. To use life’s boulders of obstruction as stepping stones to reach higher and higher. To reveal their true self.
So too, since we want G-d to shine His blessings on us, therefore we praise Him. In this context, the many pages of our praises-filled prayer book are for our own benefit. Including the famous Hallel - הלל prayers of King David which we recite everyday of Chanukah. Because prayers of praises and thanksgiving, metophorically inspire G-d to reveal to us of His infinite kindness and blessings.
The Alter Rebbe explains that this is the reason why in the book of Job 29:3 the Hebrew words for “shining candle” are בְּהִלּוֹ נֵרוֹ, B’hilo Neiroi, which are connected to the Hebrew word הלל - Hallel which means praises and the word נר which means candle.
Because just like a candle Illuminates the darkness and it’s bright shining light reveals what was previously hidden, so too, do our praises of G-d inspire and awaken a desire by our loving Father in Heaven to shower us with His infinite love and blessings for us to have a happy, healthy, successful and meaningful life.
Because just like a candle Illuminates the darkness and it’s bright shining light reveals what was previously hidden, so too, do our praises of G-d inspire and awaken a desire by our loving Father in Heaven to shower us with His infinite love and blessings for us to have a happy, healthy, successful and meaningful life.
This gives us motivation and inspiration:
Be generous with your praises!
You have the power to change lives. You can help a child and an adult to maximize their potential and to tap into their hidden talents. Your kind words, your praises and your compliments are powerful miracle makers.
Never allow people to criticizie and insult a child with negative or belittling words. Instead, encourage them to use praises and compliments to express their confidence in the child. To highlight the child’s ability and inspire children to reveal their hidden treasures of talents, abilities and good potential.
Your positive words of praise can accomplish miracles. You can transform a child. You can save lives. You can help people of all ages to maximize their potential. Your words of praise can change their life and the future of generation to come.
If a few negative words can cause the destruction of a child or adult, how much more so can our positive words inspire a child or adult to shine beautifully abd brightly like a candle.
Be a lamplighter! Light up the beautiful candles of in your environment. Your positive words, your praises abd your compliments can and will change lives!
3 messages based on the teachings of the Rebbe:
1) The Previous Rebbe said מען דארף זיך צוהערן צו די ליכטעלאך! “we must listen to the lights of the Menorah”. The candles are telling us the triumphant and glorious story of Jewish survival and Jewish continuity. By listening and internalizing the messages of the Chanukah Menorah lights, we live and enjoy a better a happier life.
2) Each night we light the Chanukkah Menorah when the sun sets. The Jewish response to darkness is light. Each night we add another candle. We increase each day the light of the Menorah. When you see “darkness” it is a message to you to increase your light. Your positivity is a transformative gift to the world.
3) The story of Chanukah shows us how to overcome challenges. Each day we strike a match and we light a new additional candle. When you focus on the positive you can accomplish the seemingly impossible. Darkness is a coward in the face of light. The darker it is the more we respond with light, positivity and actions filled with enthusiasm.
Celebrate the good, focus on the positive. Even just one small flame brings light, redemption and freedom. Moshiach Is On His Way. Now is your opportunity to be a leader and spread the light ad joy of Jewish heritage so all in your environment proudly shine with Divine light, love and peace.
Wishing you a Happy Chanukah!
Wishing you a Happy Chanukah!
Lchayim
Velvl
Rabbi Velvl Butman
Executive Director
Chabad Lubavitch of Westchester County
Sharing the joy and meaning of Judaism unconditionally!
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