Chanukah: Capturing the Light

The events of the story of Chanukah are well-known: the heroic revolt against Greek oppression, the stunning victory on the battlefield, and the jar of oil which contained only enough to last for one day but miraculously burned for eight. Still, a basic question arises: Jewish history is full of miracles. Few of them become holidays. Why Chanukah? To become part of the Jewish calendar, a holiday needs to contain core messages of ongoing relevance regarding our national identity and national destiny. Chanukah: Capturing the Light is dedicated to uncovering those messages. Drawing on a vast array of classic and contemporary sources, renowned teacher and bestselling author Rabbi Immanuel Bernstein presents a deep and profound understanding of Chanukah, inspiring the reader to allow its light to illuminate the eight days of the festival — and the entire year. Born and raised in London, Rabbi Immanuel Bernstein learned in Yeshivas Ateres Yisrael, Jerusalem, and received his rabbinic ordination from Rabbi Chaim Walkin. Rabbi Bernstein currently teaches in Yeshivas Machon Yaakov, Jerusalem, as well as in various seminaries, and gives a popular weekly shiur on Chumash that is open to the public and available online. He is the author of five books, Teshuvah: A Guide for the Heart and Mind during Elul, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur; Aggadah: Sages, Stories and Secrets; Darkness to Destiny: The Haggadah Experience; Purim: Removing the Mask; and The Call of Sinai: A Deeper Look at Torah, the Omer, and the Festival of Shavuos (Mosaica Press). He lives in Jerusalem with his family.