Page 2 - HaMizrachi #15 2019 Chanuka USA

ISRAEL AND US

Rabbi David A. Israel

www.mizrachi.org The Miracle
office@mizrachi.org
+972 (0)2 620 9000
Chairman of jewish existence
Mr. Harvey Blitz
Chief Executive t is a general rule of thumb that used the impure oil but simply chose
Rabbi Doron Perez when there are many explanations to restart and rebuild with the highest
Educational Directors Ifor a particular phenomenon, none standards. Hence, says Rav Pomer-
Rabbi Reuven Taragin of them contains the entire truth.
Rabbanit Shani Taragin anchik, the mitzvah of lighting candles
Such is the case regarding the celebra- was established to celebrate the miracle
tion of eight days of Chanukah and the of the oil lasting for eight days, and we
accompanying recitation of Hallel. recite Hallel for the miracle of military
victory, which had both elements men-
PUBLISHED BY THE MIZRACHI WORLD MOVEMENT Ask any child why we celebrate eight tioned above. If Hallel was established
HaMizrachi seeks to Editorial Team days of Chanukah and he or she is to reflect upon and celebrate the mir-
spread Torat Eretz Daniel Verbov likely to say it is because of the miracle acle of the military victory, the candles
Yisrael throughout Esther Shafier
the world. of the pach haShemen (cruse of oil) as are to recall the miracle of the oil and
HaMizrachi also Creative Director recorded in the Talmud. 1 reflect on the meaning of dedication
contains articles,
opinion pieces and Jonny Lipczer and rededication, the eternal strength
advertisements A young adult notes that the Al HaNis- of our people to respond to tragedy
that represent the Graphic Designer sim prayer added to the Amidah and
diversity of views Hadas Peretz with a dedication to purify and rebuild.
and interests in our Birkat HaMazon does not mention
communities. These Production and the miracle of the oil at all. Here, the In the words of author Herman Wouk:
do not necessarily Advertising Manager miracle is the military victory over the
reflect any official Our whole history is a fantastic legend
position of Mizrachi Meyer Sterman Greeks as recorded in the Book of Mac- of a single day’s supply of oil lasting
or its branches. production@mizrachi.org cabees, and the eight days of Chanukah eight days: of a flaming bush that is not
If you don’t want to keep HaMizrachi, you can double-wrap it are because of the length of Sukkot/ consumed; of a national life that in the
before disposal, or place it directly into sheimos.
Shemini Atzeret (the season when the logic of events should have flickered and
www.rza.org Beit HaMikdash was first dedicated): gone out long ago, still burning on. 4
office@rza.org
212-465-9234 On the very same day that the strangers Or as Rav Kook says: The stones of the
Presidium profaned the Temple, it was cleansed holy altar were made unfit. However,
Dr. Ernest Agatstein again, the 25th day of the same month, the inner mysteries (of Judaism) hidden
Rabbi Leonard Matanky Kislev. And they kept the eight days with
HAMIZRACHI Martin Oliner 2 and sealed from foreign touch, retained
PATRONS gladness, as in the feast of Sukkot. their sanctity…This inwardness, the soul
National Chairman
Martin and Reva Mr. Seymour Shapiro Throughout Tanach and Jewish history, of the supernal soul, is fixed in the char-
Oliner there have been many miracles. Yet, no acteristic soul of Israel, and never moves
Executive Vice-President
Friends of Mr. Jack Rabbi David A. Israel holidays or recitation of Hallel were thence, as long as the connection to the
Nagel z’’l established for these miracles. Why totality of the nation and its character
Lynn and Joel Mael CHICAGO not? lives in its midst, as long as it desires at
& Family all the wellbeing and success of the Isra-
www.rzc.us
Mr. and Mrs. David office@rzc.us Rav Aryeh Pomeranchik (1908-1942), a elite nation. 5
Rubin 847-674-9733 student of the Brisker Rav, writes in his
3
Rosalyn and President book Emek Beracha that Hallel is only
Stephen M. Flatow Dr. Oren Lakser recited for miracles if the following two 1 Shabbat 21b.
Aileen and Pace Executive Director conditions are present:
Cooper Rabbi Jerold Isenberg 2 Maccabees II 10.
Rose and Bruce 1) Gevurot Hashem – unnatural mira- 3 Emek Beracha, Hallel on a Miracle.
Newman LOS ANGELES cles (like the story of pach haShemen). 4 This is My G-d.
The family of Leila office@rzla.org 5 Orot HaTechiya.
Bronner z’’l 209-286-7141 2) HaTavot Hashem – benefits derived
Isaac and Evelyn President from the miracle. Rabbi David A. Israel is the Executive
Blachor Dr. Yakov Agatstein No one benefited from the miracle of Vice-President of Religious Zionists of
the oil. The Jews could equally have America–Mizrachi
2 |