Hanukah of what? The Menorah or the Altar

Introduction

We always see Hanukah is focused upon the Menorah in the Temple, but our liturgy speaks of “Hanukat Hamizbeach” – the dedication of the altar. In this week’s Pardes from Jerusalem, special podcast for Hannukah, Rabbi Alex Israel discusses what Hanukah has to do with the altar? And how a 6-branch Temple menorah become an 8-branch one?

Please let us know your comments and thoughts about the podcast, write to us at elmad@pardes.org.il.

Credits
Larry Kluger – Creative Consultant
Arlene Harel – Production Coordinator

Alex Israel

Rabbi Alex Israel teaches Bible at Pardes. Born and raised in London, he holds degrees from London School of Economics, the Institute of Education London and Bar-Ilan University. Alex studied at Yeshivat Har Etzion under Rav Aharon Lichtenstein and Rav Yehudah Amital, and gained Rabbinic ordination from the Israeli Rabbinate.

Alex has taught for twenty years in many top Jerusalem Yeshivot and Midrashot. He is also a volunteer for Tzohar, a group that seeks to bridge the gaps between religious and secular communities In Israel. Alex lives with his wife and 4 children in Gush Etzion.