The Jewish nation in Galus is called Yosef, as Yosef is the source of the strength to survive and thrive in Golus, as he did so better than anyone.

Yosef asks his brothers, “Is my father still alive?”, though he knows the answer. He says it to underscore the fact that Yaakov had suffered indescribably and should not be kept in suffering for one extra moment. In these words Yaakov’s Galus is being transformed to redemption.

Yosef is very great, but Yaakov sends Yehuda to make a Yeshiva where the students have no other occupation aside from learning Torah. Toraso Umnaso is very unique and it has can and must exist among Jews even in the worst of times.

Chanuka is the only Yom Tov that starts in one month and ends in another. From Kislev (the third) to Teves (the fourth) of the winter months. Short Version. Longer Version.

Everything is upside down in the Chanukah story; the Kohanim are the one’s on the battlefield. But they get to light the menorah also (anyway).

Chanuka is the only Yom Tov that starts in one month and ends in another. From Kislev (the third) to Teves (the fourth) of the winter months. Short Version. Longer Version.

Chanukah and Chassidus and oil. A thought on Chanukah Gelt.

Why the RaMbam connects Shalom Bayis of Shabbos Candles to Chanuka.

Why gelt and what’s gelt. Why on Chanuka? Some thoughts. Short Version. Longer Version.