Last Day of Chanukah

On the last day of Chanukah we read a Torah portion which describes another historic “Chanukah”. Chanukah refers to a dedication or renewal. There was a dedication service that accompanied the inauguration of the Tabernacle.  Each day of Chanukah we read a section of the Torah’s description of how the Tabernacle was dedicated. On the last day, we read that “This was the dedication service (“Zot Chanukat HaMisbeach”).

A review of the service described in this Torah reading informs us that each day of dedication was greeted by another series of sacrifices by a Tribal head. The sacrifice that was brought each day was identical to that brought on the previous day. The commentaries all are compelled to ask the same question: Why not list the sacrifice that was offered and simply state that each Tribe brought the identical sacrifice. Why the unnecessary repetition that tells us what Reuben’s tribe brought, what Simeon’s tribe brought, etc? All sacrifices were ultimately the same!

The Seforno, an Italian commentator of the 16th century, states that while the sacrifices appeared the same, they actually differed greatly. Each tribal head knew of the foibles and shortcomings of his own tribe. They had intimate knowledge of their tribe’s needs. Thus when they brought their sacrifice, they had intentions and goals which differed from the heads of other tribes. In a word…same sacrifice but different thoughts and intentions.

Every holiday period gives us the time to reflect upon and re-direct our actions and behaviors. One question that deserves attention is how do we interact with loved ones, i.e. family and friends.  What do we have to offer them in life? The answer according to Seforno is that we have ourselves. We have abilities and gifts that are unique. We need to unleash those gifts and offer more of ourselves to those we care about.

The first president of Israel was Dr. Chaim Weizmann. He was once asked why he felt Judaism was so special. After all, we share a common tradition with Christianity, and there are more Christians than Jews! Dr. Weizmann replied: That question is like asking me why I need to travel clear across town to visit my mother. Are there not elderly women who live closer to my home? His point was that we need to be concerned with all of humanity. We all share the same travels on planet earth. But in life, love begins at home.

Practically speaking, we must dedicate ourselves to those closest to us. Family and friends will always come first. When we become better family members and friends, we can then branch out to mankind in its totality. This plan of action is most reasonable. All commitments however must begin with the proper dedication of our thoughts and deeds. This is the essence of the Seforno’s insight. Improve yourselves, then those closest to you, then reach out to all. As the liturgist of a Shabbat prayer stated : “The end of all deeds first begins in one’s thoughts.” Perhaps this is the true message our our last Chanukah reading.