The Miracles of Kislev: The Deeper Meaning of Chanukah and the Eternal Light of Redemption

The Hebrew month of Kislev is filled with remarkable events — the most famous, of course, being Chanukah. But many other significant moments in Jewish history also took place during this month. Following are just a few:

Historic Events in Kislev

• 14 Kislev, 2194 (before the Common Era) – Birth of Reuven, the firstborn son of Jacob.

• 15 Kislev – The passing of Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi, redactor of the Mishnah.

• 19 Kislev, 1798 (תקנ"ט) – The release of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, author of the Tanya and founder of Chabad, from imprisonment in Petersburg. Chabad Chassidim celebrate this day as “Rosh Hashanah of Chassidut” — with gatherings, singing, and thanksgiving for the great miracle.

• 23 Kislev, 1349 (ה' ק"ט) – A blood libel falsely accused Jews of poisoning wells, sparking massacres across Europe. Thousands of Jews were murdered, and shortly thereafter, between 1347–1351, the Black Plague ravaged the continent, killing millions.

• 24–25 Kislev – Chanukah begins.

• 25 Kislev, year 2449 (ב' ת''ן) – The Mishkan (Tabernacle) was completed, though its dedication was delayed until 1 Nisan.

• 28 Kislev – The day Noach left the Ark after the Flood, built an altar to God, and offered sacrifices in thanksgiving.

The Light of Chanukah: Victory, Faith, and Gratitude

When the Greek rulers during the Second Temple period decreed harsh laws against the Jews — forbidding Torah study, mitzvot, and desecrating the Temple, the Hasmonean priests (the Maccabees) rose up against them.

Against all odds, a few overcame the many, and Israel was saved through divine intervention. Upon reclaiming the Temple, they found only one small jar of pure oil — enough for one day, yet it miraculously burned for eight days.

The sages therefore decreed that the eight days of Chanukah, beginning on the 25th of Kislev, would be days of praise, thanksgiving, and candle lighting — to publicize the miracle.

The Mitzvah of Chanukah Lights

The mitzvah of the Chanukah candle is considered exceptionally beloved. One must strive to fulfill it even in hardship — “even if one must sell his clothing or beg for oil,” writes Maimonides (Rambam).

He rules: “If one can afford only one coin — to buy wine for Kiddush or oil for Chanukah — he should buy oil for Chanukah, for it commemorates the miracle.”

Chanukah was established through light, unlike other festivals, because this miracle was spiritual, not physical. Purim celebrated physical survival, whereas Chanukah celebrates the survival of Torah itself.

As Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi (the Alter Rebbe) explained: “On Passover we eat matzah to recall redemption; on Purim we feast to celebrate survival; but on Chanukah, when the Greeks sought to extinguish Torah’s light — we kindle lamps, for ‘the commandment is a lamp and Torah is light.’”

Chanukah and the Light of Redemption

Rabbi Tzvi Elimelech of Dinov, author of Bnei Yissaschar, taught that Chanukah strengthens faith in the future redemption. He revealed that the generations close to Mashiach’s coming would feel a special pull toward Chanukah's spiritual light.

A story is told about his birth: When his mother, the niece of the holy Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk, was expecting, she asked her uncle what to name the child. He replied, “You will have a son — name him Elimelech.” Alarmed, she feared it meant her holy uncle would soon pass away. Sensing her distress, he told her, “Then call him Tzvi Elimelech.”

Later, Rabbi Elimelech explained: “If you had named him Elimelech, he would have been entirely like me. Since you called him Tzvi Elimelech, he will be half like me.”

Indeed, Rabbi Tzvi Elimelech of Dinov grew into a saintly Torah giant, author of Bnei Yissaschar, a classic work on the Jewish calendar and festivals. He was a disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin.

Once, on his way to visit his teacher, he pondered his deep spiritual connection to Chanukah. “How is it,” he wondered, “that I am not a Kohen, yet feel such a unique pull toward this festival?”

Before he could ask, the Chozeh of Lublin said: “Know that your soul descends from the tribe of Issachar. Your special joy on Chanukah is because you once sat in the court of the Hasmoneans — and thus you named your book Bnei Yissaschar.”

The Eternal Flame: Chanukah Through the Ages

Throughout generations, rabbis, rebbes, and righteous leaders lit the Chanukah candles with joy, song, and spiritual elevation — even under the harshest conditions.

In the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, the Bluzhover Rebbe insisted on lighting Chanukah candles. As hundreds of prisoners gathered, he recited all the blessings — including Shehecheyanu.

A fellow prisoner asked, “Rebbe, how can you say Shehecheyanu — thanking God for keeping us alive, in a place like this, surrounded by death?”

The Rebbe replied: “I too wondered — until I saw this crowd of Jews, risking their lives just to witness the lighting of the Chanukah candles. For that alone — for the miracle that such faith still exists, I must bless Shehecheyanu.”

The Deeper Message of the Lights

Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev taught: “We say in the Chanukah prayer: ‘For the miracles and wonders You performed for our ancestors, in those days — at this time.’ The same miracles continue even now, but to perceive them, one must rise above nature — which is achieved through lighting the Chanukah candles.”

The Sfat Emet of Gur added: “The miracle of Chanukah is eternal. Just as the Maccabees’ menorah burned without oil, so too the Chanukah light continues to shine for us even without the Temple or the golden menorah. That is why we say, not ‘to light a candle on Chanukah’ but ‘to light the Chanukah candle’ — for the light already exists; we must only ignite it.”

He concluded: “The final miracle before the dark exile was one of light — so that its sparks would continue to illuminate us throughout the long night, until the ultimate redemption.”

May the light of Chanukah continue to brighten our lives — and may we soon merit to see the rebuilding of the Holy Temple, where the pure golden menorah will once again shine for all the world.

Chag Urim Sameach — Happy Chanukah!