One of the famous stories of Channukah is that of Channah, who instructed her seven sons to be killed rather than bow down to Antiochus. Jews, even now, often have a very strong aversion to bowing, and are often perturbed when visiting countries in the Far East, or participating in martial arts, where bowing is used as a formal greeting.
Category: Chanukkah
“Bare Your holy arm and hasten the End for salvation”
Mikeitz – Shabbos Chanukah 5770 “[T]he wicked Greek Kingdom rose up against Your people Israel to make them forget Your Torah and to force them to transgress the statutes of Your will. It was then that You in Your great compassion stood by them in the time of their distress” (Al HaNissim). The Eish Kodesh… Continue reading “Bare Your holy arm and hasten the End for salvation”
The Importance of Appearances
In Massechet Shabbat (22a), the Gemarrah records a debate between Rav and Shmuel whether or not one can use an already lit Chanukkah candle to light another one of the candles. Rav says that one cannot light another candle, while Shmuel permits it. In analyzing this debate, the Gemarrah wants to know the reason for Rav’s… Continue reading The Importance of Appearances
“Hashem frees those in captivity”
VaYeishev – Shabbos Chanukah 5770 The Talmud (Yoma 35b) recounts the attempted seduction of Yosef by Potiphar’s wife, with the following conversation between them: She threatened him, ‘I will have you thrown into prison!’ he replied, ‘Hashem frees those in captivity’ (Tehillim 146). She pushed further, ‘I will cut down your height!’ and he responded,… Continue reading “Hashem frees those in captivity”