Why do we light Hanukah candles and what do they symbolize? We all know the story of the miraculous flask of oil that burned for eight days, but is that the whole story? In this special podcast for Hanukah, Rabbi Rahel Berkovits examines the section in Tractate Shabbat in which the laws of Hanukah are taught. Through an examination of the sources found there, we will try to understand what Chazal thought the Hanukah candles represent and which miracle we are publicizing.
Credits:
Larry Kluger – Creative Consultant
Arlene Harel – Production Coordinator
Podcast: Download
Rahel Berkovits is a senior faculty member at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem, where she has been teaching Mishnah, Talmud and halakha for over twenty years. Rahel lectures widely in both Israel and abroad especially on topics concerning women and Jewish law and a Jewish sexual ethic. She is the Halakhic Editor and a writer for Hilkhot Nashim the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance’s Halakhic Source-guide Series, recently published by Koren Publishing. Rahel is a founding member of Congregation Shirah Hadasha, a halakhic partnership Synagogue, and serves on their halakha committee. In June 2015, Rahel received Rabbinic Ordination from Rabbis Herzl Hefter and Daniel Sperber. Click here to read more. You can find books written by Rahel by clicking here
