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Shabbos Chanukah
Zechariah 2:14
This week's
haftorah, read in conjunction with Shabbos Chanukah, teaches us a hidden
dimension of Hashem's compassionate ways. The prophet Zechariah opens
by announcing prophecies of the arrival of Hashem's presence in the near
future. He declares in Hashem's name, "Rejoice and be happy daughter of
Zion for behold I am coming and I will dwell in your midst," These
words refer to the sudden erection of the second Temple after seventy
dark years of exile. In truth, early construction began earlier but our
Jewish brethren slandered to the Persian government and brought the
development to an immediate halt. This led the Jewish people to total
despair and to forfeit all hope of experiencing Hashem's return.
Suddenly and totally unexpected, the prophet Zechariah announced
Hashem's immediate plan to rebuild the Temple.
Zechariah the prophet continues and reveals a private discussion
between Hashem and the assigned prosecuting angel. The discussion
centered around Yehoshua ben Yehozadak who was designated to serve in
the new Temple. Hashem defended Yehoshua and said, "Is he not an ember
spared from fire? The prophet Zechariah continues, "And Yehoshua was
wearing soiled garments and standing before the angel. And the angel
responded, 'Remove the soiled garments from upon Yehoshua...and they
placed the turban upon his head.'" (Zechariah 3:4-5) This dialogue
reflects that the ordained high priest was seriously faulted for an
offense to the priesthood. The Sages explain that Yehoshua was judged
for failing to involve himself in his children's choice of marriage.
Unfortunately, the Babylonian exile took its toll upon the Jewish nation
and corrupted their moral fiber. Their constant exposure to the
Babylonians broke down basic barriers and numerous intermarriages
occurred. Yehoshua's offspring
s were party to this mind set and married women forbidden to them
according to priesthood standards. (Targum and Rashi ad loc)
Their esteemed father, Yehoshua was unsuccessful in influencing them
to choose appropriate wives and was now seriously faulted for this. The
prosecuting angel protested Yehoshua's priestly status because of his
inability to properly preserve it. Hashem defended Yehoshua and argued
that he deserved special consideration because he was an ember spared
from the fire. Yehoshua received a second chance and immediately
resolved to rectify his fault and terminate these inappropriate
relationships. Hashem responded to this sincere commitment and restored
Yehoshua to his prestigious position.
This incident reveals a unique dimension of Hashem's judgement and
compassion. In truth, Yehoshua was at fault for his children's behavior
and conceivably should have forfeited his esteemed position. However,
Hashem focused on Yehoshua's outstanding merit as an ember spared from
the fire. The Sages (Sanhedrin 93a) explain that the wicked
Nebuchadnezar tested Yehoshua's faith and merit and casted him into a
fiery furnace. Yehoshua was miraculously spared thereby displaying his
supreme level of devotion to Hashem. Hashem argued that every fiber of
Yehoshua's being was devoted to Hashem and deserved careful
consideration. Although Yehoshua was faulted for his children's behavior
he received a second chance and regained his status of the High Priest.
We learn from this Hashem's appreciation and response to devotion.
Yehoshua totally dedicated himself to Hashem's service and thereby
earned his privileged status. Yehoshua's devotion brought him into
Hashem's inner circle and earned him special appreciation. Hashem views
His close ones through the perspective of devotion and affords them
special privileges. After proving their total loyalty to Hashem their
subsequent service becomes invaluable. Such pious people bring credit to
Hashem by their mere existence and will undoubtedly increase this
credit a thousand-fold through their continuous service to Hashem.
Although they may be imperfect their quality of devotion surpasses all
and renders them the most worthy candidates for his service.
This lesson repeated itself in Yehohua's offsprings during the days
of Chanukah. In the early years of the second Temple the Jewish people
were represented by illustrious high priests such as Ezra Hasofer and
Shimon Hatzadik. During that period the Menorah's western lamp burned
throughout the day. This constant miracle showed the entire world
Hashem's constant presence amongst His people. However, after Shimon's
passing this coveted priestly position was periodically neglected. It
assumed political status and was obtained, at times, through handsome
sums of money. Numerous unworthy individuals served as high priests for
brief periods of time. Every year Hashem would display their
unworthiness and punish them for entering the Holy of Holies without
proper preparation. (Mesichta Yoma 9a) After years of mistreating their
Temple privileges Hashem responded to this disgrace and permitted the
Greek's to control the Bais Hamikdash. This new development exiled the
Jews in their v
ery own land and restricting them for sacrificial service. The
Chashmonaim, high priests by rite, took charge of the situation and
sacrificed their lives to restore this service. They displayed
unprecedented levels of devotion and Hashem responded and returned the
Temple to them.
The Chashmonaim overstepped their bounds and declared themselves
rulers over the entire Jewish nation a position belonging exclusively to
the household of Dovid Hamelech. Although this was a serious fault
Hashem focused on their display of devotion and granted them the
privilege of the priesthood. (Ramban Breishis 49:10) According to some
opinions Yanai (Yochanan) Hamelech served as the high priest for eighty
years. (Mesichta Brachos 29a ) The Chashmonaim family proved their
devotion and deserved to remain in Hashem's inner circle. Their total
dedication to Hashem created a relationship of fondness and endearment
and establish them the most qualified candidates for his service. (see
Malbim, Zechariah 3:7)
The Bach sees this dimension of service as the heart of the Chanuka
experience. He explains that the Jewish people became lax in their
service in the Temple Bais Hamikdash. This sacred and precious
opportunity became a matter of routine and was performed without inner
feeling and devotion. Hashem responded and removed their privileges to
awaken them to their shortcomings. The Chashmonaim, descendants of
Yehoshua and Shimon Hatzadik understood the message and resolved to
restore Hashem's glory to His nation. Following the footsteps of their
predecessors they totally dedicated themselves to this service and
sacrificed their lives on its behalf. Hashem responded to their devotion
and led them to a miraculous victory. We kindle our menora as an
expression of our devotion to Hashem's service and resolve to
internalize Chanuka's lesson. After sincerely examining our level of
service we dedicate heart, mind and soul to Him and apply our Chanuka
experience to our service througho
ut the year. (comment of Bach O.H. 670)
May Hashem accept our total commitment to His service and grant us
the privilege of serving him in His holy abode in the nearest future. |
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