As we were Zoche to have the Yom Tov of Chanukoh, we must assess what we have cultivated in these great days and what we have acquired. This Shabbos is Shabbos “Noch – Still (even now)” Chanukoh. (Yiddish) Tzadikim and Chasidim would dwell on this as it is still now the Yom Tov, this point was said mainly by the Yom Tov of Shavuos.
As we say “Tzadikim and Chasidim”, we may repeat a quote of the yesteryear Karliner Chasidim, “Who are greater Tzadikim or Chasidim?” The answer they said was as follows. Firstly, Tzadikim live with Yidi’oh - Knowing, whereas Chasidim live with Emunoh - Faith. Furthermore, they said, as in Shemonoh Esrei we say, “Al HaTzadikim V’al HaChasidim” and the Klall is “Malim BaKodesh”, and therefore it is “Al HaTzadikim V’al HaChasidim” and in this virtue we are ascending. Surely, we must realize our place in the world to learn and follow the light of those who are greater than us, the Tzadikim who lead us.
If we would only know what we have acquired with the Mitzvos of the Yom Tov of Chanukoh we would rehash it to the best of our ability, as we see from the following story.
...A group of Chasidim once came to the Heilige Chozeh of Lublin ZY”A, with a Kvitel with one’s name. As he read the Kvitel he spit a lot. The next day they returned and the Chozeh said that the Neshomoh of this person is shining in all the Olomos (worlds). Upon being questioned the difference of actions, the Chozeh answered, the first time the person was playing cards, whereas the second time he was lighting the Menoroh. To this the Chidushei Harim ZY”A expounded the greatness of when one is involved in doing a Mitzvoh, his Neshomoh shines in all of the Olomos.
