Description
Based on a mai'mar from Rav Gamliel Rabinowitz's Tiv Ha'mo'adim. The Beis Shammai and Beis Hillel dispute regarding how to light Chanukah candles. Two valid paths in avodas Hashem (service of G-d) - gevurah (strictness) and chessed (kindness). Beis Shammai: How little have I accomplished and what more can I do? I botched up the first day of Yom Tov, I must at least try to grab hold of what is left. Beis Hillel: Always push for for higher levels with optimism and courage - what can I accomplish right now, even by lighting just one more candle? Taking joy in and deriving motivation from every little accomplishment and mitzvah (good deed). The sources of the paths of Beis Shammai and Beis Hillel - derech hamussar (path of ethics) and derech hachassidus (path of devoutness). The different approaches to eating matzah. Ephraim and Menashe - adding or subtracting? These days we cannot demand perfection from the Jewish People; mere yirah (fear) generally doesn't work. A person naturally desires simchah (joy) - therefore warmth and love in the house works better than fear. Why most of us light inside the house. Teaching our children with warmth, encouragement and optimism.
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