Chanukah shiur delivered 10 Kislev, 5785 / December 11, 2024
Key Takeaways
The Debate
The famous argument between Beit Shammai (lighting 8 to 1) and Beit Hillel (1 to 8).
The Metaphor
Beit Shammai’s logic parallels the sacrificial bulls of Sukkot (which decrease in number), representing the 70 nations of the world.
Rav Kook’s Insight
The “decreasing” light of Beit Shammai actually represents the unification of humanity. As we move toward a messianic era, the distinct nations merge into a singular recognition of One God.
Location of the Mitzvah
Lighting “outside” (the original law) vs. “inside” (due to danger) reflects the tension between keeping Torah internal vs. acting as a “light unto the nations.”