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- Articles about Hanukkah
This link, however, may not be quite so definite. Ma'oz Tzur describes the hope and anticipation of complete salvation, the pinnacle of which is reached only by the re-building of the Temple. Therefore the mention of "Chanukat ha'Mizbeach" may very well relate to redemption generally and not to Chanukah specifically. In any case, we Jews have adopted the custom of singing Ma'oz Tzur on Chanukah (while a similar idea is reflected in saying "Ve'hi She'amda" on the Seder night and in the post-Megillah-blessing "Harav et Rivenu" on Purim).
The reason for this may be that the salvation of Chanukah is concealed. Thereafter our history, for thousands of years, is one of latent Divine Providence. At times, this makes it difficult to see Hashem's supervision when examining an individual event. But by appraising Jewish history as a whole – the Exodus from Egypt, Purim, the many wars that we have had to fight, etc. – as a revelation of the Divine Hand – we are able to understand that Divine Providence was at work on Chanukah, too. The message from the events of Chanukah to future generations reads loud and clear: Seek Hashem everywhere, even in the darkest, most hidden corners, for He is there!
This message of faith must follow us to the present, to events taking place in our time. It is certainly difficult to see Hashem's Hand in the tragic expulsion from Gush Katif, and the suffering and distress in its wake. Nevertheless, Divine Providence can be found in the return of some 3,000 of the wonderful people of Gush Katif to gainful employment – thanks to the help of our many partners. We have also been privileged to feel Hashem's enormous guidance and help with further Chessed projects which grew out of Jobkatif: Achotenu - for the Ethiopian community, Ta'asuchayil – for impoverished soldiers and Taasukati – professional career and employment guidance for sidelined population sectors.
Please G-d, we will continue to work to light the way for others – and to enable them to discover the great light within themselves.
Happy Chanukah!!
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Hosha'ana Rabba FLYDUBAI & HOSHANA RABBA- ANI VAHU HOSHIA NA- I & HIM SAVE US
"Ani vaHu Hoshia Na", "I and Him, Save Us". We don't just pray to Him, but we also pray to and for ourselves that we should emulate and educate our children to have that instinctive altruism with which He created the world. President Trump seemed amused about Yaniv Hayon, our PLUMBER who confidently worked with G-d like Superman (he learned from a pilot on a TV show!) to save 174 lives on the Dubai hijacking, but we in Israel are totally accustomed already 78 years to our plumbers, teachers, garbage-men, rabbis, farmers & doctors being Hashem's shlichim! This is what Zionism is about.
