| Purim and
Hanukah: they have more in common than just the reciting of al ha-nissim
in Shemoneh Esrei and bentching. Below are some
notes and points to ponder about these two holidays.
Is there a text in the Torah? Maimonides: the reading
of the Megillah is a mitzvah of the scribes, and it is known that it is an
institution of the prophets.
What is the source of authority for the two holidays?
Purim: Prophets found authority in the Torah.
Hanukah: it is totally rabbinic
Gemara: If we say hallel from slavery to freedom, then certainly from
death to life?
Hatam Sofer: This may indicate a Torah obligation
R. Nati Helfgot: maybe more so on Purim. Why?
How do we celebrate the two?
Is the level of joy the same? How does the joy express itself?
Do we say Hallel?
How joyous are the days?
Hanukah: we still sit shiva.
Purim: most don’t
Is there a tractate in the Talmud?
Does Maimonides devote a separate section to it in his code (Mishneh
Torah)?
Laws of Megillah and Hanukah III, 3: These days are called Hanukah and
they are forbidden in fasting and eulogizing like the days of Purim, and
the lighting of candles is a mitzvah of the scribes like the reading of
the megillah. Ibid 4: All who are obligated in Megillah are obligated in
Hanukah..
Are women equally obligated in both?
From the Talmud so it would seem, but according to the generally
accepted law, women cannot lead the Megillah reading, but can light for a
man.
Why? Turei Even’s theory: Men are obligated in the megillah from the
megillah, but women are obligated based on a rabbinic inclusion.
What were the enemies of each holiday trying to do?
What were the characteristics of the respective enemy cultures? How do
our reactions to their cultures reflect themselves in our practices?
What do the practices of Hanukah and Purim have in common? |
