Countdown to Chanukah 17

“And they lit candles in the courtyards of Your Holy Place.” (Al Hanissim) The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 15:6) says that The Holy One, Blessed is He, said to Moshe, “Go and say to Aharon, ‘Do not fear that you did not participate as the Prince of Levi, with the princes of the other tribes in the dedication of the Mishkan and Altar. You are destined for something even greater. The offerings will only continue as long as the Beit Hamikdash stands, however, the candles will continue forever.”

The Ramban (Numbers 8:2) explains that the Midrash is referring to the Chanukah candles, which are lit even when the Beit Hamikdash does not stand. The Chanukah menorah keeps Aharon’s menorah alive.

When we light the Chanukah candles we derive from the spiritual influence of Aharon lighting the Menorah in the Beit Hamikdash. (Vayechi Yosef 31:14)

Application:
We can attach to Aharon’s influence by emulating his characteristics of “Loving peace and pursuing peace.”

We should use the time between now and all the way through Chanukah to focus on making peace with those with whom we have fought, and to help others repair their relationships, especially between husbands and wives.