Chanukah & Moshiach

Everything is connected to Moshiach and the Redemption. In fact, the Rebbe stated clearly that it is natural for a person who is involved every day in yearning for the coming of Moshiach to seek a connection to Moshiach’s coming in every event or concept he encounters.

This also applies to Chanuka. And since we are in the days of Chanuka, it is appropriate to look at the Festival of Lights with “Moshiach Glasses.”

Since the Chanuka miracle took place in the Holy Temple, its commemoration arouses an even greater yearning for the era when the menorah will be kindled again in the Third Holy Temple.

Similarly, there is a connection between the above and this week’s portion, Mikeitz.

When a Jew hears the name Mikeitz (the end), because he is constantly yearning for Moshiach’s coming, he immediately associates it with the word “keitz” which refers to the time for Moshiach’s coming. And on Shabbat, when the Haftorah is read, and he hears the vision for the Menora mentioned, he once again immediately associates it with the menorah of the Holy Temple.

Let us all join together this year on Chanuka to light the Chanuka menoras, large and small, public and private. And as we light the menorah, let us envision ourselves watching the lighting of the rededicated menorah in the Third and Eternal Holy Temple.

The Baal Shem Tov taught, “In the place where a person wants to be, that is where he will be found.” May we all be found together in the Holy Temple this Chanuka.

Shabbat Shalom and Happy Chanukah!

Light the menorah before the Shabbat candles. Shabbat candle lighting time: 4:13 PM (NYC)