Chanukah 5770/2009 - Jewish Infertility

Chizuk
Reflections
on Chanukah
SEASONS OF THE SOUL /Mesorah Press
SHAAREI TIKVAH/ CHANUKAH 2009
The springtime, summer and autumn of the Jewish nation
are in Pesach, Shavous, Succos. The winter of its
suffering and the oppressive heat of its defeats are preserved
in the Four Fast Days. And its triumphs over tyrannical
circumstances are found in the solstice of
Chanukah, and the heady blossoming of the Purim victory.
Indeed, as we continue to endure the Galus (Diaspora),
this frigid winter of our peoplehood, we may find
greater affinity with the Galus festivals, and find them
more conducive to incisive comment. But even Pesach,
the festival of liberation, has its Yom Tov Sheini shel Galus
– its second day of rabbinic origin, celebrated only in the
Diaspora. It is our task to heighten our sensitivity to all
the special days and their sacred emanations.
It was the practice of Rabbi Nachum of Chernobyl to
light candles in his Chanukah menorah. “But Rebbe,” one
of the Chasidim questions, “don’t many authorities consider
olive oil preferable for the menorah?” “Yes,” the
Rebbe replied. “But after a candle has burned out,” he
added, pointing to the drippings on his window sill, “it
leaves an impression.”
With the flames of all festivals and fast days – some
leaping high, some flickering, some burning low –
shadow may abound, obstacle obstruct; but after they
have passed, the impressions are still there.
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