Chanukah, Vayishlach
There are a few well known allusions to Chanukah within this week’s parsha of Vayishlach. One of these is when Yaakov returns to his campsite to retrieve "pachim k'tanim,” small jugs. A number of sources say that these small jugs contained oil. Some say this was a type of a miraculous jug which refilled itself and then reappeared during the Chanukah story.
I feel, though, that there is an earlier and perhaps more instructive hint to Chanukah back in parshas Lech-Lcha when we find Avraham armed "es Chanichav" (14:14) in his pursuit to free his nephew Lot, who had been captured by the army of four kings. "Chanichav" has the same root as Chanukah, which is CHINUCH, and Rashi here explains what chinuch is -initiating a person or an object for a future purpose, for which he will eventually be able to be independent. We see that the definition of chinuch- educating our children and students- means educating them in manner which will allow them to be self-sufficient, confident, and independent, able to stand on their own. This means that our interactions and relationships with the next generation needs to be energetic, inspiring, and with the necessary enthusiasm which will keep the student on the correct path for life.
Even the halachos of Chanukah speak to these concepts related to quality education. For example, the means of performing the mitzvah is by using a flame. A flame is hot and always reaches upward. We do not find a flame that points downward. This tells us, teachers and parents, that in order to ignite others with the love and inspiration of Torah, we ourselves must make sure that our own souls are ignited and aflame with the warmth of enthusiastic service and mitzvah observance. Additionally, we need ourselves to demonstrate continuous yearning and striving for positive, upward growth.
Rav Yaakov Kaminetsky, ZT"L, commented on the mitzvah of the kohein to make certain that the lights of the menorah in the mishkan were undoubtedly lit prior to moving to the next flame, by making the above point. Teachers and parents cannot forsake the proper education and inspiration of those in our charge until they can stand on their own and are responsible learners and supporters of Torah and ideals. We must stand over our charges and continue to be a source of guidance and a role model for dedicated service to Hashem.
Yet another important message related to chinuch is that each candle in our menorah must be separate and distinct from the other. Multi-wicked flames cannot serve as a kosher menorah flame. So too, each child, each student is an individual and the educational style and approach that works for one child may not be the right one for his/her sister or brother. Each child needs to be inspired, ignited, maintained, and kept aflame in his/her own way. What works for one may not work for another. One size does not fit all.
Chanukah is, for the most part, a holiday celebrated in the home, usually surrounded by family. It is a holiday which not only has the name "chinuch" as it's root but also speaks the special role and responsibility we play as parents and educators and reminds us that our own flame must be lit if we will be successful in lighting others.
