Countdown To Chanukah 11 – Illuminating Path to Redemption

For some reason, no one consulted me about which Psalm to add to Chanukah prayers, but I have a few on my mind:

This is one choice, Psalm 43:

Vindicate me, O God, champion my cause against faithless people; rescue me from the treacherous, dishonest man.

2 For You are my God, my stronghold; why have You rejected me? Why must I walk in gloom, oppressed by the enemy?

3 Send forth Your light and Your truth; they will lead me; they will bring me to Your holy mountain, to Your dwelling-place,

4 that I may come to the altar of God, God, my delight, my joy; that I may praise You with the lyre, O God, my God.

5 Why so downcast, my soul, why disquieted within me? Have hope in God; I will yet praise Him, my ever-present help, my God.

Pesikta d’Rav Kahanna 5:4:

“Send forth Your light and Your truth,” refers to Moshe of whom it says, “Moshe was not aware that the skin of his face was radiant, since he had spoken with Him (Exodus 34:29).”

“And Your truth,” refers to Aharon of whom it says, “Proper rulings were in his mouth (Malachi 2:6),” and, “And of Levi he said: Let Your Thummim and Urim Be with Your faithful one (Devarim 33:8).”

An alternative approach:

“Send forth Your light,” refers to Aharon of whom it says, “And of Levi he said: Let Your Thummim and Urim Be with Your faithful one.”

“And Your Truth,” refers to Moshe, of whom it says, “Not so with My servant Moses; he is trusted throughout My household (Numbers 12:7).”

Yet another approach, “Send forth Your light and Your truth,” refers to both Moshe and Ahraon through whom You sent Light to Israel for their redemption, as it is written, “This month shall mark for you the beginning of the months; it shall be the first of the months of the year for you Exodus 12:2).”

“Send forth Your light and Your truth,” refers to both Moshe and Ahraon through whom You sent Light to Israel for their redemption.”

We were given the ability to illuminate our way into redemption. 

This is not only the story of Chanukah it is the prayer of this Chanukah: “May we take full advantage of the Illuminations of the Menorah and Hallel to reveal the Light of Redemption to the world!”