Torah Thoughts on Chanukah
(adapted by Rabbi Eliezer Grunberg of Torah Academy of Buffalo Grove)
After the Greeks had defiled the Holy Temple they were only able to find one small flask of pure oil with which to light the Menorah. Hashem made a miracle and the oil lasted for eight nights until they were able to produce new uncontaminated oil. The Talmud in Tractate Shabbos teaches us that the holiday of Chanukah was instituted as a remembrance for the miracle of the oil and the lights of the Menorah.
In truth, the law dictated that in that situation if the Jews had not found the flask of pure oil they still would have been permitted to use impure oil. What great difference did this miracle make? The menorah would have been lit regardless. What was the significance of this miracle that because of it we celebrate Chanukah year after year?
Rav Dovid Leibowitz zt”l explains that this miracle enabled a mitzvah to be done on a higher level. They were now able to light the Menorah in a more preferable manner using pure oil. For eight days, the Kohen in the Holy Temple was able to perform one mitzvah in a greater fashion. For this opportunity it was appropriate to institute a holiday of celebration and praise to Hashem for all generations to come. We can hardly fathom the value and greatness that every nuance of a mitzvah encompasses.
Often, our performance of mitzvos is lacking heart and soul. We try to find ways to do mitzvos in the easiest way possible. The miracle of Chanukah and the oil give us insight to the great value of mitzvos and all of their specific details. The lighting of the Menorah each year should reinforce this important lesson.
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The Midrash relates that when Jewish people finished building the Tabernacle, the leaders of all the tribes, except for Aharon the Priest, brought sacrifices to Hashem. Aharon, not having the opportunity to bring a sacrafice was very troubled. Hashem comforted Aharon by telling him, that although he and his tribe were not able to participate in the dedication of the Tabernacle, the miracle of Chanukah would transpire through his descendants.
What was so special about the miracle of Chanukah that it served as a source of comfort for Aharon?
Rav Meir Chodosh zt”l explains. The lights of the Menorah in the Holy Temple were not for illumination. The Talmud in Tractate Shabbos tells us that these lights stayed lit all night and all day. This showed Hashem’s great love for the Jewish people and was testimony that His glory always rested amongst them.
The miracle of the oil and the Menorah taught us a great lesson. The Jewish people had sinned and the Holy Temple was in a state of defilement. Hashem brought this specific miracle to symbolize that, even at such a time, He was still with us.
This was Aharon’s consolation. The bringing of the sacrafices was limited to the duration of time that the Beis Hamikdash existed and many other prerequisites. Chanukah and the miracle of lights showed Hashem’s deep love for the Jewish people. No matter where we are or what state we are in, Hashem maintains His love for us.
On Chanukah throughout the ages, when every Jew lights a Menorah in his own home, he is reminded that Hashem is with him, even in the darkest of times.