“RABBI’S MUSINGS (&
AMUSINGS)”
Erev Shabbos Kodesh
Parshas Vayigash
7 Teves 5776/ December 18,
2015
One morning this week
one of my fellow rabbeim chided me for eating a Greek Yogurt during breakfast.
He wanted to know how I could eat anything Greek during Chanukah. I continued
eating my yogurt without replying. When the container was empty I turned to him and said
“See, I have consumed the Greek!”
The truth is that Greek Yogurt has nothing at all to do with Greeks,
and eating Greek Yogurt is not much of a Chanukah victory. There are far better
ways to ‘consume the Greeks’.
Perhaps no one personified the essence and message of Chanukah in our
time more than the late Mirrer Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Nosson Tzvi Finkel zt’l. Rav
Nosson Tzvi grew up as a regular American kid, attending Day School in Chicago
After returning to America America
Rav Nosson Tzvi recounted that Rav Lazer Yudel’s kiss remained with him
his entire life.
Rav Nosson Tzvi himself grew into one of our generation’s foremost
Torah leaders. Had he been healthy, he would have been a leader and role model
for his incredible love of Torah, love of Jews, sterling character, and radiant
personality. But the fact that he suffered terribly from Parkinson’s disease,
and yet accomplished more than most healthy people is staggering and
incredible. He was moser nefesh for Torah, for the honor of Heaven, and
for his people. It was to defend those very ideals that the Maccabees placed
their lives on the line.
Contrary to popular understanding, the Maccabees never achieved
complete victory over their enemies. Shortly after the Chanukah miracle they
returned to battle. In fact, four of the original five Maccabees were killed in
subsequent battles, and the fifth, Shimon, was murdered by his son-in-law.
The period after the Chanukah miracle was similar to the period
preceding it – dark and difficult. Rav Shimshon Pinkus zt’l explained that the
Chanukah miracle was a symbolic kiss that G-d planted on the collective
forehead of the Jews who remained loyal to Torah. It was a passionate sign that
G-d was behind them and guiding them, that he was aware of their selfless
efforts and desire to defend the honor of G-d.
The kiss was fleeting. Eight days is a mere blip in comparison to years
of struggle and bloody battles. But that kiss gave them the encouragement to
forge on and maintain their quest. It was enough to allow them to feel that G-d
was with them even behind the veil of darkness and pain.
The holiday of Chanukah each year is a celebration and a
re-experiencing of that kiss. That emotional connection must stay with us
throughout the dark and cold moments of life. Its light must radiate well
beyond the wicks and the oil. It’s a fire that must burn within us and guide us
throughout our lives.
And that’s how we consume the Greeks!
Shabbat Shalom & Good Shabbos
R’ Dani and Chani Staum