Maharsha: Chanukah Dedication

The Maharsha takes issue with the common understanding of Chanukah as “Chanu Kaf hey” – they rested on the 25th – because Chanukah is not a day of rest, but of Hallel and Hodaah.

He therefore says that Chanukah derives from Chinuch – as in dedication – they rededicated the Beit Hamikdash.

The Kof Hey – the 25th of Kislev – is actually the day when the Children of Israel completed the Mishkan in the desert. (Tur, Orach Chaim #670) However, God delayed the dedication until Rosh Chodesh Nissan, the birthday of Yitzchak, and promised to repay the 25th of Kislev with another dedication, which was Chanukah. (Maharsha, Shabbat 23a)

Application:
Use Chanukah as an opportunity to rededicate your home to the ideals most important to your life.