Hannukah - The Holiday of Radical Acceptance

Shevet M'Yehudah - R Avraham Iger

Shabbat Parashat Miketz, 5669 - 1909

at the second meal

(selections)

“And will deliver Their beauty to us,

So that we may see Their glory

And show us the secrets

That are spoken of only in whispers”.

These lines of the poem seem especially appropriate on this Shabbat which is also the eighth day of Hannukah.

This is because “beauty” is (part of the symbol cluster of) “Hod”, and everyone knows that Hannukah, in general, is (the holiday of) “Hod”.

The latter part – “And show us the secrets that are spoken of only in whispers”, applies especially to the eighth day (of Hannukah).

Everyone knows the question which is discussed extensively in the books of our holy teachers – Why are there eight days of Hannukah if there were only 7 days of miraculous burning?

It is known that when matters of sanctity are structured around the number seven, the light of one of the seven letter combinations of “Ana B’ko’ah” shines in each of the seven parts.

Thus, in each of the seven miracle-days of Hanukah, the light of one line of this chant shines.

On the eighth day, the line that shines is “Baruch shem kevod malchuto l’olam va’ed” which we always say at the end of Ana B’ko’ah.

This is the same line we say after accepting the Heavenly Kingdom in reciting Shema Yisrael.

This is obviously because when matters of sanctity are structured around the number seven, the goal of the practice is the seventh divine quality – Malkhut-Kingdom. The recitation of Shema is an acceptance of that same quality of the reign of Heaven, and we follow it by whispering “Baruch Shem, etc.”

The light of Hannukah,

was given to shine upon us for the (first) seven days of Hannukah.

But on the eighth day, you may look at yourself, and find that all this light has not made any impact on you... that you are no closer to the acceptance of the kingdom of heaven than before...

Then, in the innermost recesses of your heart,

A heavenly voice will whisper -

The Kingdom of Heaven exists forever, it exists as a whisper, even when it cannot be heard by human ears.

This is the meaning of Barukh shem -

Blessed is the Name,

The glory of the kingdom,

always and forever.

This is why this holy day (the last day of Hannukah) is called:

Zot Hannukah – This is Hannukah.

This is the whole point of the Hannukah miracle

Which shines on the last day

With the light of the whispered - Barukh shem kevod malkhuto l’olam va’ed.

That is why the lines -

"And show us the secrets

That are spoken of only in whispers”.

Apply especially to these holy days.