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Why does Chanukah (חנוכה) uniquely center on Hallel, while the seemingly greater victory of Purim (פורים) does not? The shiur develops the principle that Chanukah represents pure divine will—God saved the Jews not because they merited it through teshuvah (like Purim), but from unreasoned love. Our spontaneous Hallel reciprocates this divine grace with equally unreasoned joy.
This shiur delves into the fundamental question of why Chanukah (חנוכה) is uniquely defined by Hallel (praise), more so than other holidays like Purim (פורים). Rabbi Zweig begins by analyzing the Gemara (גמרא)'s statement that we established eight days of Chanukah 'l'hodot u'lehallel' (to thank and praise), making Hallel the essential characteristic of the holiday. He contrasts this with Purim, where despite the greater apparent victory, Hallel is not the defining feature. The Rambam (רמב"ם)'s placement of all laws of Hallel within the laws of Chanukah further emphasizes this connection. The discussion then examines the Gemara's distinction between miracles that are 'nitna likosav' (given to be written) versus those that are 'lo nitna likosav' (not given to be written). Using a Midrash about animals entering Noah's ark, Rabbi Zweig explores the Ramban (רמב"ן)'s interpretation that some animals came through divine compulsion while others came through their own will. This leads to a profound analysis of human decision-making, arguing that our most important life decisions - marriage, career, major moves - ultimately rest not on rational calculation but on pure will (ratzon).
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Shabbos 21b
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