Dec. 11, 2023

Intentions, Emotions, and the Practice of Hallel During Chanukah

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Season 6

How much power do our intentions hold when we communicate? What sets joyous praise apart from mere spoken words? Settle in as we unravel the profound impact of intentions and emotions hiding behind our actions and words. We draw parallels between the seemingly similar processions - a joyous parade and a sorrowful death march - to understand that the motivation behind an action holds more significance than the action itself.

We then journey through the Jewish tradition of Hallel, an act of praise, showcasing how it's not just about the spoken words but the heartfelt intent behind them. We delve into the integral role Hallel plays in the observance of Hanukkah, highlighting why the laws of Hallel's recitation are classified under the laws of Channukah in Rambam's Mishneh Torah. As we guide you through turning everyday conversations into an act of Hallel, a recitation of praise, we invite you to recognize the transformative power of your intentions - making the mundane divine.

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Questions or Comments? Please email me @ michaelbrooke97@gmail.com



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What separates a parade from a death march?

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What's the difference between a championship team parading their trophy down broadway from a group of Indians being led down a trail of tears?

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Both are large groups a part of a procession.

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What's the difference?

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They're both walking on a path.

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The obvious answer is that the reason that you do something, the impetus or intentions, matter.

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They matter a great deal, perhaps even more than the dry action itself.

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So when it comes to the action of Halil, which is defined as praise hile, like Halaluka, to praise Hashem, the dry action is just opening our mouths and saying some words, no different than telling a joke or schmoozing with your friend.

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To make something into a Halal, change it into a parade.

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It takes warm admiration, it takes the intention of giving praise, the reason being why you are opening your mouth to sing songs to Hashem, these songs with the great laudation and commendation of the Holy One.

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Blessed be he.

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This plays a crucial role in Hanukkah because, as we have seen, rambam puts Halal, the laws of it, of its recitation, underneath the category of the laws of Hanukkah.

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It seems the very essence of the main mitzvahs of Hanukkah is Halal.

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So let us wake up every morning and fulfill this mitzvah of giving praise, lauding Haqadish Baruch Hu, giving thanks to Haqadish Baruch Hu and changing the dry action of just uttering words and turning them into the action of Halal, the reciting of praise.