Hanukka and the Flood

            Tzror haMor (Rabbi Avraham Sava, a kabbalist who was among the Jews expelled from Spain in 1492) comments, based upon a Midrash, that the birds which Noah sent from the ark symbolize Israel’s subjugations. Specifically, the dove symbolizes the nation’s subjugation to the Greeks. Based upon this understanding, Tzror haMor explains the parallels between the Bible’s description of Noah’s sending out the dove and Ḥanukka. Concerning the olive leaf which the dove brought to Noah [Genesis 8:11], Tzror haMor comments: “Had God not enlightened the Kohanim, who are anointed with olive oil, namely the Hasmonean and his sons, the remnant of Israel may have been lost.”

            Beyond Tzror haMor’s fascinating insights, Rashi [7:12] notes a connection between the flood and Ḥanukka, as a simple reckoning of the chronology indicates that the forty days of rain ended on the 28^th day of Kislev, which is the middle of Ḥanukka.

            Since we believe that there are no chance happenings, but everything is guided by Divine Providence, there must be significance to this timing.

            We can suggest that the rain is merely the means for God’s destruction of the world. Ending the rain did not end the flood, which continued for an additional 150 days. [7:24] That is, the effects of the rain lasted well beyond the period of rain itself. Similarly, Ḥanukka, cleansing the Temple, was a means, which brought a renewal of the Temple service. As such, Ḥanukka had a long lasting effect, similar to that of the rain.

            Since we continue to celebrate Ḥanukka, we may suggest that the effects of the historic events are felt until today, and obligate us to continue to study and discern the practical lessons of those events.

We can note an additional parallel between Ḥanukka and the flood. Ḥanukka expresses the superiority of the Holy Land over all other lands on earth. (Our Sages [Babylonian Talmud Megilla 14a] note that Hallel is recited only to commemorate miracles which took place within the Land.) Similarly, the flood conveys the superiority of the Land, as our Sages taught, the flood did not affect the Land of Israel. [Yalkut Shimoni, Parashat Noaḥ, 59]