RAV KOOK adapted and translated by Rabbi Chanan Morrison THE FLICKERING LIGHTS

Suitable Wicks and Oils The Mishnah in the second chapter of Shabbat discusses what types of wicks and oils are suitable for Shabbat lights. The Mishnah lists materials that may not be used for wicks since "the flame sputters with them" and does not burn evenly, and types of oil that may not be used because "they do not flow freely to the wick." With regard to Chanukah, however, the Talmud (Shabbat 21b) rules that these restrictions do not apply. Even wicks and oil that do not burn smoothly may be used for Chanukah lights. Why? The Sages required that Sabbath lights be made from quality oils and wicks, to prevent situations where one might be tempted to relight or adjust sputtering lights (and thus desecrate the Sabbath). The Talmud is more lenient, however, regarding Chanukah lights, since one is not required to relight them should the lights go out. Also, it is forbidden to use their light for reading or other purposes, so there is less concern that one will attempt to relight a poorly- lit Chanukah light.

CHASSIDIC PEARLS BY RABBI LAZER BRODY PARSHAS MIKETZ

We saw his deep anguish when he pleaded with us and we didn't heed; that is why this trouble has come to us (Bereishit 42:21). The language of the above passage seems strange. The Torah says that the trouble has "come to" the brothers, as if it were describing a visitor. We would have expected the Torah to use terminology such as the trouble has "befallen" or "come upon" the brothers. Since every single letter and every single word of the Torah are absolute and eternal truth, we have to ask ourselves what the intrinsic message the Torah is conveying by saying that the trouble has "come to" the brothers. Rebbe Nachman of Breslev explains (Likutei Moharan I:54.2), that Hashem initiates the events of a person's life on three different levels - thought, speech, and deed - taking into consideration each person's particular situation at that given time. These events – namely, everything that happens to a person – are all hints designed to bring that person closer to Hashem. For that reason, one must think in depth in order to comprehend these messages from Hashem. Rebbe Nachman is simply teaching us that everything that happens to us in life, from the most significant events to the tiniest mundane detail, are all personal memos from Hashem designed to enhance our relationship with Him.

YWN TEHILLIM – Hatzolah Member Along With Family Involved In Serious MVA In Upstate New York

UPDATE 10:00AM EST: Please continue to be Mispallel for Shlomo Zalman Ben Raizel Chedva, who remains in critical but stable condition – with numerous internal injuries. The rest of the family – many of whom suffered from broken bones – will I”H be released before Shabbos. (Dov Gordon – YWN)

OU"S NACH YOMI BONUS Life on Other Planets? By Rabbi Jack Abramowitz

Verse 23 curses the inhabitants of Meroz for not coming to help.Rashi quotes the Talmud in Moed Katan (16a) that it's the name of a star. So who are the inhabitants of another star? Extraterrestrials? Not necessarily, but we can't rule it out...

A short Insight into Judges, Chapter 5 By Rabbi Nisson Dov Miller

Based on the phrase “And let those who love Him be like the powerfully rising sun” found in verse thirty-one, Chaza”l state that this refers to “those who are shamed and do not shame, who hear themselves being embarrassed and do not respond.”. The Iyun Yaakov says that “those who are shamed” refer to those shamed in private. “Those who are embarrassed” are those embarrassed publicly. Both of these individuals are in line for this special brocha. How powerful is this brocha?

[chicago-aneinu] Baking Challah?

If you are baking challah and being mafrish with a bracha today, Thursday, Dec. 22 after tzeis kochavim through tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 23, please daven for Alta Sara Freida bas Ruchama Aidel Roiza Shoshana for a refuah shlema. To be included in the group of 40 women baking in her zchus, please call Chani Chase on the challah baking segulah hotline at 773-981-2870. Tizku L'mitzvos

JMR Maccabeats with Matisyahu!

Matisyahu performs his hit Chanukah single with the Maccabeats!