Looking for Moshiach in chanukah
Everything is connected to Moshiach and the Redemption. In fact, the Rebbe stated clearly that it is
natural for a person who is involved every day in yearning for the coming of Moshiach to look for a
connection to Moshiach's coming in every event or concept which he encounters.
This also applies to Chanuka. And since we are in the days of Chanuka it is appropriate to look at
the Festival of Lights with "Moshiach eyes."
Since the Chanuka miracle took place in the Holy Temple, its
commemoration arouses an even greater yearning for the era when the menora will be kindled again
in the Third Holy Temple.
Similarly, there is a connection between the above and this week's portion, Mikeitz.
When a Jew hears the name Mikeitz, because he is constantly yearning for Moshiach's coming, he
immediately associates it with the word "keitz" which refers to the time for Moshiach's coming. And
on Shabbat, when the Haftorah is read and he hears the vision for the Menora mentioned, he once
again immediately associates it with the menora of the Holy Temple.
Let us all join together on Chanuka this year in the lighting of the Chanuka menoras, large and small,
public and private. And as we light the menora let us envision ourselves watching the lighting of the
rededicated menora in the Third and Eternal Holy Temple.
The Baal Shem Tov taught, "In the place where a person wants to be, that is where he will be
found." May we all be found together in the Holy Temple this Chanuka.
