The well known argument between Beis Shamai and Beis Hillel whether to add or subtract the total number of lights each successive night of Chanuka has been resolved like the Beis Hillel. The message in this is that we must grow in holiness. First version. Second version.

Chanuka, a holiday of Jewish sacrifice. (5773/ 2012). No Cheshbonos, Not even of Kedusha (5778/ 2017). This short class points out that the miracle of Chanukah is more about Yidden’s Mesiras Nefesh than about the super natural hand of Hashem that their actions inspired.

The war and the oil. Some hold we celebrate only the oil. The RaMbaM holds we celebrate both. Some of the ramifications of the RaMbaM’s perspective. Winning means having peace (5774/ 2013). The two levels of ‘Pada BiShalom’ are reflected in Chanuka’s two miracles. Chanuka, the darkness is the truth (5774/ 2013). the darkness of…

The war was won the 24th and the holiday declared the 25th.

The oldest text that deal with Chanuka DO tell the story of the miracle of finding the jug of oil. Part One. Part Two.

The Rambam contends that on Chanuka we celebrate both the miracle of finding the oil as well as the war. He therefore holds that Chanuka (like Purim) requires a feast. A Note from Y.D.: Your shiur on the Rambam’s view on Chanuka–You mentioned that you don’t know where the Rambam gets the idea of the…

This class includes numerous short ideas on Chanuka woven into one. This class was given at Hadar HaTorah

One of the most explored questions in Yiddishkeit (with scores of different answers)- why is Chanuka eight days and not seven. This question is resolved by the Rebbe in a most unique way.

The prayer said in Shmona esrei and bentching (in “Hodaa”) its meaning (in part) and where we recite it and why. This class is based on source material. Some of the thoughts however are (semi)original and each person will judge for himself. First Version. (5668). Second Version. (5669).