Chanuka, the Gemara and the Rambam, Class One. Chanuka, the Gemara and the Rambam, Class Two.

Chanuka Gelt 5720, Bochurim.Toras Menachem vol 27 page 253-6.The Chanuka candles are not allowed to be enjoyed, because they exist only for themselves. The lesson: learning Torah for no reason other than to learn.

A story about a famous Chasid, comments on the story of Yosef HaTzadik and Chanuka as well. An enjoyable shiur.

Halachically there is no Simcha on Chanuka (because we don’t celebrate the victory at war) but the Rebbe so much wants to find a way a bringing Simcha to Chanuka.

Tanu Rabbanan Ner Chanuka 5738The issue of Chanuka, was an attack on the Soul (purity and holiness) of Yiddishkeit. It didn’t mind the Torah as long as it was intellectual, and Mitzvos were ok, as culture without Him C”V. The Mesiras Nefesh came from Yechida, completely removed from reason, and is one where one seems…

Mitzvasa Mishetishka Hachama 5738Class One:This Ma’amar is Hemshech from the previous one.The Rebbe is discussing the idea of transforming darkness to light.In this Ma’amar the Rebbe explains (based on a Gemara) that whatever is in Klipa is in Kedusha first. He gives three examples:1) The setting sun in Kedusha is the transference from Atzilus to…

This is a Chanuka Ma’amar Rani ViSimchi is the Maamar of Chanuka (and Bihaalosecha, after Shavuos). It explains three levels and then a fourth. The three are the regular concerns of a Yid: 1) Mitzvos, 2) Torah 3) Mesiras Nefesh in the daily performance of Torah and Mitzvos. The fourth is called ‘Bas Tzion’ and…

This is a Chanuka Ma’amar. This Ma’amar is about Galus and is therefore appropriate for Chanuka, since it is a Galus Yom tov though it occurred during the time of the Beis HaMikdash Thus, Rani which means to sing which is done from distance and darkness (as the Zohar states) brings one close, In fact…

Class One/ Twelve (המשך).   Class Two/ Thirteen (המשך).   Class Three/ Fourteen (המשך).   Class Four/ Fifteen (המשך).

A thought on a New York Times article making the Chanukah story into a war between factions of Jews. But he still is lighting the candles. Shimon HaTzadik prayed that Alexander of Macedonia should succeed and what it means to world history from a Jewish (religious) point of view.