Earlier today I shared with some friends that the light of Chanukah represents the bursting forth of inner light that was until now hidden. This is why Chanukah is known as the holiday of the תורה שבעל פה, the Oral Law. The written law is that which is open and easily visible to all. The Oral Torah expounds on it, examines it, reveals it, enabling us to see hidden pearls that are not visible to the naked eye. It brings forth the hidden light of the Torah. The Light of Chanukah is a representation of this hidden light.
In the same sense the spirit of Chanukah empowers us to unveil those parts of ourselves which were until now hidden from ourselves or from others. It enables us to find the strength to allow our inner, authentic, self to shine through.
After sharing this, I saw something interesting in the Bnei Yisaschar. He addresses a well-known question. Outside of Israel, due to confusion as to the starting day of each month, it is customary to add a day to the end of each holiday in case it began a day early. Why, then, isn't Chanukah 9 days outside of Israel?
He explains, as noted above, that Chanukah is the time to reveal light which is hidden. The number nine is represented by the Hebrew letter ט. Notice that on the ט, the sides come back down into the opening to block it off. As this letter represents blocking the release of that which was open it goes against the spirit of Chanukah and it would be inappropriate, in consequence, for Chanukah to have nine days.
In the same sense the spirit of Chanukah empowers us to unveil those parts of ourselves which were until now hidden from ourselves or from others. It enables us to find the strength to allow our inner, authentic, self to shine through.
After sharing this, I saw something interesting in the Bnei Yisaschar. He addresses a well-known question. Outside of Israel, due to confusion as to the starting day of each month, it is customary to add a day to the end of each holiday in case it began a day early. Why, then, isn't Chanukah 9 days outside of Israel?
He explains, as noted above, that Chanukah is the time to reveal light which is hidden. The number nine is represented by the Hebrew letter ט. Notice that on the ט, the sides come back down into the opening to block it off. As this letter represents blocking the release of that which was open it goes against the spirit of Chanukah and it would be inappropriate, in consequence, for Chanukah to have nine days.
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