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.

The date of Chanuka (25 Kislev) has an affinity for the idea of renewal. This is evidenced from the fact that in the desert the Mishkan (tabernacle) was completed on 25 Kislev 2449. But it’s construction and use was postponed until (the end of Adar and) Nissan of that year. This date was not celebrated…

The apocrypha which Yidden once shunned, has the elaborate version of the Chanuka story. The earliest text of all tells the story of the candles.

Chanuka candles (as opposed to Shabbos candles) are not for any use. We are not allowed to benefit from them at all. Why?

The candles of Chanuka are only to be looked at. The Frierdiker rebbe says the candles in their quiescence and peacefulness are saying something incredibly deep. LISTEN. Short Version. Longer version.

Two reasons: 1) In the pre-Moshiach world only actual things matter not potential, not-withstanding the great advantage of the potential over the actual. 2) We follow Beis Hillel who connects it to מעלין בקדש ולא מורידין rather than to פרי החג. All eight days of Chanuka have nothing tot do with Goyim!