Vayeshev - Chanukah
Oil
Living in Portugal, where olive trees dot the landscape, and olive oil is in abundance, we can fully appreciate the following statement found in the Talmud.
"The people of Tekoah are wise for there is an abundance of olive oil."
(Talmud Menachot 86b)
Where is this mysterious Tekoah? And what about olive oil makes people wise?
Tekoah was actually the source for the olive oil used in the Beit Hamikdash. In fact, the miracle of Chanukah, the oil that burned for eight days, corresponded exactly to the amount of time it took to make the round trip journey to Tekoah. Eight days was the amount of time needed in order to replenish the supply of pure olive oil.
According to Kabbala, oil is much more than a multipurpose substance. Oil, the Kabbala explains, is at the essence and depth of all matter. To extract and produce oil, one must search beneath the surface, when squeezing hard enough, oil is at the core of almost anything.
In a person, the oil represents the core essence of the Soul, the depth of the Neshama which relates to G‑d in an entirely spiritual matter. It is precisely this connection, this devotion to G‑d that exists deep within the Jewish person, that so perplexed the Ancient Greeks.
The Greeks were accepting of many rituals and customs. However, the Mitzvot performed by Jewish people, some of which are entirely above the human intellect, was something they wanted to eradicate.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe explains how the aim of the Greeks to "defile the Oil," was to oppose any Mitzvot done solely based on the belief and idea of fulfilling Hashem's will.
Most fittingly this was why the Miracle of Chanukah was the Miracle of the Oil; a testament to the fact that as much as the Greeks tried to extinguish the flame of the Jewish soul and their belief in G‑d and his commandments, the "Oil" still burned.
That is why the people of Tekoah surrounded by olive oil were deemed to be wise. Wise in their connection to G‑d, with their Neshma, the Oil deep within, alive and strong.
Shabbat Shalom and Happy Chanukah!
Portuguese Jewish history is a rich tapestry of accomplishment and challenge spanning the centuries. Portugal's shores have produced and housed some of our greatest Rabbis and leaders. From statesman, leader and scholar Rabbi Don Yitzchak Abarbanel to Shulchan Aruch author Rabbi Yosef Karo in the 15th century through to the Lubavitcher Rebbe's time in Lisbon in 1941, Portugal has enabled tremendous developments in strengthening community and Torah.
It is in recognition of the timeless nature of these commitments, and in honor of all of those Jews who have called Portugal home through times of brilliance and darkness, that these Torah insight's from Portugal's great Rabbis is produced - here in Portugal.
Special thanks to Rabbi Shlomo Pereira for the Portuguese translation.