Machshava:

Chanukah 

Description

Chanuka's roots are in Chagai and Zecharya, during the time of the return from Bavel and the building of the second Temple. Chagai urged t'shuva to enable the return. Zecharya urged a return to Israel, even before t'shuva. Zecharya's third dream (of seven) features the menora. Chanuka is about the rekindling of hope at the darkest time of Jewish history (and the year). It embodies a balance between the political/economic and the spiritual. (Presented at Congregation Keter Torah in Teaneck NJ, December 16, 2014, erev Chanuka.)