Page 42 - HaMizrachi Chanukah 2021 - USA

WHY DO WE RECITE

Al HaNissim

AFTER MODIM'?

Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon

T he Tosefta (Berachot 83) states focused on the hidden miracles that name is mentioned earlier in Modim,

that on days when there are
there is no need to repeat it again in Al
special holidays, but when we G-d performs on our behalf - 'ii''\:/~ 7'.)?l HaNissim. But the absence of G-d's name
U~)! Di• ',~~W, "and for Your miracles
do not recite Mussaf - that is, that are with us every day." The essen- in Modim may also reflect that the mir-
on Chanukah and Purim - we insert tial purpose of Modim is to seek out G-d acle of the war was a 'natural' miracle,
words of remembrance of the event within those things that outwardly so we must search for the name of G-d
into our tefillah. The words of remem- appear to be natural occurrences. hiding behind the scenes.
brance that we recite on these holidays
The Chanukah miracle was a 'natural' What is the purpose of reciting Al HaNis-
are found in the first siddur, written by
miracle. The Hasmonean victory in war sim? The Tosefta states that Al HaNissim
Rav Amram Gaon, and they open with
can be explained as a brilliant tactical is recited simply as a Y)NlpiJ 1''.l?)'.;l, a way
the words "Al HaNissim."
victory, stemming from the wisdom of mentioning the special nature of the
The Gemara {Shabbat 24a) says that or power of the Maccabees. However, day. However, based on Rashi's words
Al HaNissim is recited during the Birkat upon deeper reflection, it is clear that it appears that Al HaNissim is recited
Hoda'ah, also referred to as Modim the Maccabees' victory was truly a because there is a special obligation
(thanksgiving blessing). But why do we great miracle! When we reflect deeply to individually list the miracles that
not recite it during Retzei, the blessing on nature, we come to realize that G-d took place on Chanukah: NIJ'IP!;l ili;>r:q
in which we yearn for the rebuilding stands behind all of existence and ~Y~i-1~ illfJiil7~ 77.iJ7 '1.QW 1?, "Al HaNissim ·is
of Jerusalem and the Temple and the causes everything to occur. Therefore, recited in prayer, for it was established
we recite Al HaNissim precisely during in order to praise and give thanks."
blessing in which we insert Ya'aleh
VeYavoh on Rosh Chodesh and other Modim, so that we will reflect upon According to Rashi, we understand
holidays? events that appear to be 'natural' and why Al HaNissim is not recited in Retzei,
learn to see the hidden hand of G-d for Al HaNissim it is not merely a way
This question can be answered simply, behind it all. to mention the special nature of the
as Ya'aleh VeYavoh is recited on Biblical day, but the fulfillment of our obliga-
In light of this we can explain some-
holidays when sacrifices are offered tion to individually list the miracles of
in the Temple, and so it is appropriate thing that at first looks pretty odd - Chanukah and to broaden our thanks
that the name of G-d is entirely absent
to mention them in the blessing of for the 'natural' miracles "that are with
from the text of Al HaNissim! Although
Retzei, the blessing in which we pray us every day" - a form of thanks that
we directly address G-d in this prayer
for the return of the Temple service belongs specifically in the blessing of
(e.g., "that You did to our fathers,"
(the Avodah). However, Chanukah is a Modim.
"and You in Your many mercies stood
Rabbinic holiday that is unrelated to
by them in their trouble," "and You
sacrifices and the Temple service, so
made a great and holy name in Your
there is no reason for it to be included Rabbi Yosef zvi Rimon is Head of Mizrachi's
A member of in Retzei. world"), the name of G-d is never explic- Educational Advisory Board and Rabbinic
the Mizrachi itly mentioned in Al HaNissim! Simply Council. He serves as the Rabbi of the Gush
Speakers Bureau But there is also a more fundamental understood, the reason for this is that Etzion Regional Council, Rosh Yeshiva of the
mizrachi.org/ reason for reciting Al HaNissim in Modim. Al HaNissim is inserted into the middle Jerusalem College of Technology and is the
speakers The blessing of Modim is primarily of the Modim blessing, and since G-d's Founder and Chairman of Sula mot.
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