LIGHTING UP THE EXILE WITH THE OIL OF TORAH
December 14, 2012The main thing is to add in studying and disseminating (the teachings of the Torah in general, the quality Yaakov embodies, but more particularly) the inner dimension of the Torah, the oil (the secrets of the secrets) of the Torah. And this dissemination should be in a manner that shines “upon one’s doorway from the outside” – as Moshiach told the Baal Shem Tov, “spread your wellsprings outward” – “until the Tarmodians have ceased traipsing about (the marketplace).”
Translated by Boruch Merkur
FROM EXILE TO REDEMPTION IN THIS GENERATION
Our generation is the final generation of exile and the first generation of redemption. This unique period, transitioning from exile to redemption, is alluded to in this week’s Torah portion, Parshas Mikeitz, which is described as both “keitz ha’yamim,” the end of the days of exile [“all instances of “keitz” denote “end” –Rashi on Mikeitz, beg.], as well as “keitz ha’yamin,” the beginning of the redemption [“mikeitz” can mean “beginning” –Even Ezra on Shlach 13:25].
This connection with the redemption also finds expression in the holiday of Chanuka. Chanuka was founded upon the miracle of the oil, and oil is cited in the verse, “I have found Dovid, My servant; with My sanctified oil I have anointed him” [see ibid, pg. 201: Indeed, the Messiah is called “Moshiach” in reference to “ha’m’shicha b’shemen – the anointment with oil” […] and from him there shall be the primary and complete revelation of the oil of Torah (the secrets of the secrets of Torah), for he shall teach “the secret of its reasons [underlying the Mitzvos] and its hidden mysteries” (Rashi on Shir HaShirim 1:2)].
And the concept of redemption is especially preeminent on Shabbos Chanuka, for Shabbos is connected with redemption [as underscored in the Song of the Day, “Mizmor shir l’yom ha’Shabbos – A Psalm, a song for the day of Shabbos” – “A Psalm, a song for the Future Era, for a day that is entirely Shabbos (rest) and tranquility for all eternity” (Tamid, end)].
AN INCREASE THAT IS TANGIBLE AND OVERT
The practical application of the above is that – in accordance with the lesson of the days of Chanuka, “thereafter they progressively increase” [referring to the custom to add a candle each night of Chanuka] – every day there should be an increase in activities that bring about the redemption in a way that is tangible and overt.
Thus, there should be a strengthening in the faith and desire and yearning for the coming of Moshiach, to the extent that one feels that all the while that Moshiach Tzidkeinu has still not arrived – tangibly and overtly – one’s days are incomplete, his life is truly lacking. Yaakov expresses this sentiment by saying that even the 130 years of his life were seen as but “few” [meaning lacking], for the redemption had not yet been realized in the world (as discussed above).
The main thing, however, is to add in studying and disseminating (the teachings of the Torah in general, the quality Yaakov embodies, but more particularly) the inner dimension of the Torah, the oil (the secrets of the secrets) of the Torah. And this dissemination should be in a manner that shines “upon one’s doorway from the outside” – as Moshiach told the Baal Shem Tov, “spread your wellsprings outward” – “until the Tarmodians have ceased traipsing about [the marketplace, for these people lingered in the marketplace at dusk, in order to sell kindling].”
Simply speaking, this amounts to adding in the campaign to promote the Mitzvos of Chanuka in the literal sense, publicizing and encouraging others to celebrate Chanuka and to fulfill the Mitzvos of Chanuka, including making celebratory gatherings – in accordance with the opinion of Rambam that the days of Chanuka are “days of joy and praise” [and are to be celebrated with feasts] – as well as by increasing in the fulfillment of the custom of giving Chanuka gelt and the like.
(From the address of Shabbos Parshas Mikeitz, Shabbos Chanuka, the first day of Rosh Chodesh Teives 5752, muga.)
Reader Comments (2)
i want bais moshiach 2 come 2 my house
A freilichin Chanuka!