Chanukah Resilience & Joy Mikets Chanukah 5783
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Wishing you Gut Shabbos. Shabbat Shalom!
Happy Chanukah!
Happy Chanukah!
Candle Lighting Friday December 23 - Kislev 29 Metro New York 4:15pm
Chanukah Resilience & Joy
Success requires resilience. To March forward in the face of challenges. Success also requires obedience. To follow the rules, despite sometimes not understanding why this particular rule and this exact formula is necessary.
In Lekutei Torah -Miketz Chanukah- the Alter Rebbe draws a parallel between the paradox of life and the paradox of a burning oil candle.
The oil itself does not shine and illuminate. In fact if you dip the flame into oil it will extinguish the fire. Only when the wick draws a small amount of oil and the oil is consumed, does the oil produce the flame of the fire. It is the fire, produced by the oil, which shines brightly and illuminates the darkness.
The oil itself does not shine and illuminate. In fact if you dip the flame into oil it will extinguish the fire. Only when the wick draws a small amount of oil and the oil is consumed, does the oil produce the flame of the fire. It is the fire, produced by the oil, which shines brightly and illuminates the darkness.
The same is true regarding a Mitzvah, a Divine commandment. We may not see the logic and reason for the Mitzvah. We don’t see the “light”. But when you actually do the Mitzvah, you are drawing down upon yourself Divine oil which produces the beautiful flame and light, Including light of blessings for all that you need in your life.
We must teach the young generation that rational understanding and knowing the reason is not always the proof of truth. We are obedient in our commitment to Jewish heritage. We know that our intelligence is limited.
Part of the secret of the Jew is having unshakable faith even when we may not understand. The foundation and bedrock of Judaism is obedience and unwavering commitment to the truth. Living a life in accordance with the ways of Torah.
Your physical deed of the Mitzvah is what will illuminate any possible darkness in your life. The deed is more precious and more important then everything else. Yes, of course we try to understand, but the Jew is not limited to the realm of logic abd reason. The Jew reaches and connects to the infinitely higher truth.
We are greater then the limits of finite logic and reason.
This gives us motivation and inspiration:
We don’t always understand how the physical bread can give us life, nutrients and energy. We may not understand how the specific medication which the physician prescribed will heal us. Yet we all eat the food and we know it keeps us alive. We all know that medicine can save lives.
We recognize that our lack of understanding does not diminish the knowledge of the physician. Nor does our lack of understanding diminish the power of food or the healing properties of medicine. The secret to an eternal relationship is total commitment.
The next time we do a Mitzvah let us try to infuse our deed with enthusiasm. We know the Doctor who prescribed it, He is our very own loving Father in Heaven. He loves each of His children unconditionally, with infinite love. We trust Him. For 3300 years, the collective Jewish family knew that Torah and Mitzvahs are our source of life. This is our lifeline, our oxygen.
Enjoy your Mitzvah. Enthusiastically celebrate the light, life and power which it gives you.
Joy and enthusiasm are contagious! When you do your Mitzvah with a smile and a happy heart then you inspire those around you to do the same. Be a leader wherever you go. Be a walking Menorah shining brightly.
Your joy is heartwarming and inspiring!
3 messages based on the teachings of the Rebbe:
1) Chanukah was a battle for Jewish identity. Hellenism and Greek culture were popular. Some Jews were drawn into thei secularism which was threatening Jewish continuity. Yehuda the Maccabi and his small courageous army of Jews, saw and understood that the only way for Judaism to survive is to courageously and fearlessly protect Jewish identity, Jewish observance and Jewish teachings.
Objectively speaking, to be a proud Jew also requires the courage to practice Judaism publicly with pride.
Today, you are Yehuda the Maccabi You can strengthen Jewish identity and Jewish continuity by being a proud active Jew. You can help preserve our precious heritage and traditions. Even if you are outnumbered, always remember the Chanukah miracle. A small group of Jews were victorious over the worlds largest army. Maximize your potential with proud Jewish identity and influence and inspire all who are around you.
2) The Chanukah Menorah shows us how to be successful. One step at a time. We only light one candle the first night. Then two. Then three etc. G-d is happy and proud of you when He sees you are growing. Not stagnating. Life is growth and development.
Better to be on the bottom but heading up then being at the top but heading down. The Rebbe tells us Moshiach Is On His Way. Your one additional Mitzvah a day can bring the miracle of victory, triumph and redemption. Light your personal inner Menorah and you will shine brightly.
Better to be on the bottom but heading up then being at the top but heading down. The Rebbe tells us Moshiach Is On His Way. Your one additional Mitzvah a day can bring the miracle of victory, triumph and redemption. Light your personal inner Menorah and you will shine brightly.
3) Chanukah also means Education. Chanukah we focus on educating children -in age and in knowledge- with the love and commitment of Judaism. On Chanukah, give each child Chanukah Gelt daily for the child to enjoy and to share some of the money with Charity.
A nation is only as strong as it’s future. Jewish education is the key to strengthening Jewish continuity. Be an active partner and ensure that every jewish child receives a happy and loving Jewish education.
When we go beyond our limits, G-d performs miracles. When we go the extra mile then G-d removes the boundaries of the laws of nature. Like the little jar of pure olive oil which all of it miraculously lasted for eight days, so too will your seemingly “small” good deeds and Mitzvahs bring miraculous blessings of life and joy to you and to all of our beloved brothers and sisters, the house of Israel.
Wishing you a personal Happy Chanukah!
Wishing you a personal 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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