"WHAT IS CHANUKAH?"
Does Chanukah primarily commemorate the miraculous victory over the Greeks, or the miracle of the oil?
ONE FLASK OF OIL
The Gemara relates that the jar of oil that the Chashmonaim found, was still sealed. But what Halachic difference did this make? If a Nochri had touched the jar or carried it, it would in any case be Tamei!
What parallels do we find for this miracle, in which Hashem bestowed blessing on an item of small quantity, increasing it to meet or surpass our needs?
EIGHT DAYS
What exactly was the miracle that took place involving the lights of the Menorah?
1. Insights to Shabbos 21:4, citing Beis Halevi
Why would it take eight days to obtain Tahor oil?
MEANING
What is another way to interpret the name "Chanukah"? What is "Chein," and who merits it? How did Hashem grant us "Chein" through this miracle?
1. Members' lecture for Chanukah 5767, by Rabbi Mordecai Kornfeld


