The Soul of Chanukah

by HaRav Dov Begon
Rosh HaYeshiva, Machon Meir

The Eighth Day of Chanukah is known as Zot Chanukah, for we read the section in the Torah beginning with the word Zot – “This is the dedication of the altar” (Vayikra 7:84). However, the more famous Zot refers to our Torah, as our sages taught: “‘Zot’ can only connote Torah, as it says, ‘This is the Torah that Moshe placed before the Israelites’” (Devarim 4:44; see Avodah Zarah 2b).

The number seven alludes to finite time, as in the seven-day week. The number eight alludes to the dimension of eternity, for it symbolizes a day beyond Shabbat, transcending the usual cycle of time. The Hebrew word for eight (shemoneh) has the same letters as the Hebrew word for “soul” (neshamah). Hence the eighth day of Chanukah is its soul and essence. Moreover, Torah, linked to Chanukah by the dual use of the word zot, is likewise the soul of the people of Israel, the eternal nation.

On Chanukah, we must all light Chanukah candles, but when the Temple stood, the Temple was like an enormous atomic power station bringing light to the whole country. The whole Jewish People would unite through the Temple. The Talmud, quoting from Shir HaShirim 4:4, called the Temple Talpiot, “a tel (hill) to which all piyot (mouths) turn in prayer.” From the Temple went forth the light of Torah to all. As Yishayahu said (2:3), “Out of Zion shall go forth the Torah, and the word of God from Jerusalem.”

Now, that the Temple has been destroyed and remains in its state of ruin, that central spiritual power station lies idle. Only our “miniature Temples” remain, in the form of synagogues and study halls. Hence, every Jew must “light his own candle,” Chanukah: Publicizing the Miracles 51 illuminating his soul through Torah, mitzvot and good deeds, “for God’s commandments are a candle and the Torah is light” (Mishlei 6:23).

Yet “we are believers, the sons of believers” (Shabbat 97a). We are sure that the day is not far off when the Third Temple will be rebuilt. God will then renew our days as of old, and once more, by means of God’s chosen Temple, the light of Torah and faith will shine as a beacon for us and for the whole world. We live in the remarkable period of the ingathering of exiles and the rebirth of the Jewish People in their land. All of this can be seen as a preparation, laying the groundwork for the building of the Third Temple. With God’s help we will soon be privileged to see with our own eyes the return of the priests to their service in the Temple and the Levites to their singing, and the Israelites to their station, as in ancient times. And may we merit that “a new light will shine upon Zion."

Looking forward to salvation,
With blessings for a joyous Chanukah,
Shabbat Shalom.