On the 25th of Kislev we experience an outward light, while on the 25th of Elul, the light of Creation was concealed. What’s the interplay between Creation and Chanukah? Creation is a seven-day closed event while Chanukah embodies the number eight, an above nature occurrence. Creation ended – Vayechulu – but Chanukah is “Chanu” a rest that has no end. What core principles surface when comparing these two miraculous events?
Creation was unlike any miracle in history, for no man witnessed the actual creation of the world. G-d’s hand in the universe was concealed.
This gives context as to why we say zecher le’yetziat Mitzrayim in Shabbos Kiddush, as this open miracle testifies to the veracity of the miracle of Creation.
But why not say zecher le’yemei Chanukah in Kiddush? This was a holiday of open miracles, in terms of finding the jar of oil and winning the war, or Purim for that matter.
In the Course of Regular Events
Chanukah was certainly an open miracle, but it occurred in a natural way. Finding a jug of oil in such chaos was unfathomable, but it happened. That it only had enough of an amount for one night and stayed lit for eight was beyond the boundaries of reality, but the physical occurrence took place. Winning such an uneven war was highly unlikely but it occurred.
However, can someone say that they saw G-d miraculously pour the oil into the Menorah or fire blows at the enemy? No.
These Chanukah miracles still needed inner strength of belief to attribute them to G-d. There was a choice to attribute these events to natural causes, unlike by Mitzrayim, where attribution of the miracles to nature was untenable.
Active Acknowledgment by Man
In Yechezkel’s vision of the Ma’aseh Merkava, the understanding of this world is put in perspective. It is man that is seen under G-d’s throne.
Man is the purpose of Creation, and his deeds bring tikkun to the world. Before Mashiach comes, he must rise to the occasion and engage in chesed and Torah, while ensconced in complete emunah.
Why Eight?
It becomes clear now why Chanukah is the holiday of eight. Eight is above nature. Chanukah is a manifestation of an eternal miracle that doesn’t end. It’s the light of eternity that surpasses Creation.
It’s true that the Ohr HaGanuz, hidden light, from Creation was hidden away for tzaddikim, but the light of Chanukah enables a spiritual world to continue endlessly. It’s a natural recognition by man of miracles that led to a celebration of the re-dedication of the second Beis HaMikdash, thus bringing the Shechinah to this world. This was a heavenly-man reunification that would symbolize an eternal world.
Conclusion
G-d created this world for man to see Him in everything and ultimately rely on Him for all his needs. In addition, G-d wants man to spread His lofty name throughout the world; a feat that can be accomplished through exhibiting elevated character.
By following this method, G-d will become further glorified in this world, and when His name is revealed to all, it will be an eternal state of being.
