Chanuka I am told is the most celebrated holiday in Israel. According to surveys that were done it seems that 95% of Jews in Israel light the menorah. What is often forgotten by all Jews who emphasize the importance of lighting the menorah are the other mitzvot of Chanuka which are hallel and al hanisim. In fact, the gemara refers to Chanuka as days of hallel and hodaah not as days of lighting. The essence of Chanuka is to praise HKBH and thank him for all that he has done on an international, national and personal level. We should all think about the goodness that HKBH has brought to all our lives. On a personal note, l have a lot to thank HKBH for. An important part of my day this year is coming to teach your boys torah. I take a lot of pride in the growth of the boys in my shiur. The difference in their avodas hashem and their maturity since they en-tered the yeshiva is outstanding, you have a lot to be proud of. They have grown, learned and will continue to do so. For this reason alone, we should say and sing hallel V’hodaah! I wish all of you a Chanuka filled with spiritual light, or as we used to say in the old country a A Lichtege Chanuka!

If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to contact me at 0542257628.
Shabbat Shalom

Rabbi Soloveichik