Halacha: The Greatness of the Days of Channukah
The Bnai Yissachar (1) says that the special light that shines down from heaven during the 8 days of Channukah is that of the Oral Torah. And this is the light of Mashiach and the future Geula redemption. Meaning, we have a greater opportunity to bring the Mashiach during these days!
Furthermore, the heavenly gates are opened during these days to help us do proper teshuva, repentance, just as they are during Rosh Hashana & Yom Kippur!
In order to take advantage of this opportunity one must fully devote oneself to Hashem and His Torah during these days!
The Shla HaKadosh (2) writes that it is more important to learn Torah on Channukah then the rest of the year. He complained that many people do the opposite, waste their extra time on parties and activities which do not involve Torah or Mitzvot.
He personally used to do chazarah, review, of his Torah Study, to ensure that the Greeks objective "to make them forget your Torah" would not be realized!
The Chatam Sofer (3) would encourage his students to learn with more hatmadah, consistency, during these days, explaining that the Torah's secrets were revealed to Moshe Rabenu during these days, and one can tap into that light easier on Channukah!
Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach ZT"L (4) explains that one receives extra zechut, reward, for learning during Channukah, as you collect the reward that was potentially in store for all those who could have studied Torah at that time and didn't utilize it properly. Especially since the the main objective of the Greeks was to draw the Jews away from Torah Study.
Sources:
- Kislev #2
- Sefer Shney Luchot HaBrit
- Minhagey Chatam Sofer 9:1
- Halichot Shelomo page 296
