The atmosphere was electric this morning at Kehilas Bnei Yissaschar (KBY) of Toms River as the kehillah gathered for a stirring Musical Hallel led by the talented Aryeh Rubin in honor of Rosh Chodesh Kislev.
The event, which has become a cherished tradition at KBY, brought together members of all ages to celebrate the start of this special month with heartfelt tefillah and uplifting song and tremendous simcha.
Please see below a dvar Torah in honor of the upcoming chodesh Kislev from the Bnei Yissaschar:
The Bnei Yissaschar teaches that Chanukah represents the eternal bond between Hashem and Klal Yisrael, symbolized by the miraculous light of the menorah. He explains that the light of Chanukah is not merely a commemoration of a historical event; it reflects the eternal light of the Ner Hashem, the Jewish soul, which can never be extinguished.
The Bnei Yissaschar focuses on the unique spiritual quality of Chanukah, which he connects to the concept of hidden light (ohr haganuz). This light, created at the beginning of the world, was concealed for the righteous in the future. On Chanukah, a glimmer of this hidden light becomes accessible through the mitzvah of the menorah.
He notes that the menorah is lit specifically during the darkest time of year—both physically, during the winter’s long nights, and spiritually, as the darkness of exile weighs heavily on Klal Yisrael. Yet, it is precisely in this darkness that the light of Chanukah shines brightest. This teaches us that even when we feel distant or spiritually “in the dark,” the light of Hashem is there to guide us.
The Bnei Yissaschar also explains that the number eight, central to Chanukah, represents a level beyond nature (teva). The seven days of creation symbolize the natural world, but eight signifies the supernatural, the transcendent. The miracle of the oil burning for eight days was not merely a suspension of nature—it was a revelation of Hashem’s unlimited power and love for His people. This teaches us that the essence of Chanukah is to recognize that our connection to Hashem is above nature and cannot be severed by physical or spiritual challenges.
He further elaborates that the mitzvah of lighting the menorah is performed lehodos ulehallel—to give thanks and praise. This reflects the role of gratitude in bringing light into our lives. When we recognize the hidden miracles in our daily existence, we draw down divine illumination, allowing our souls to shine even brighter.
