Why do Jews greet each other using “Sholom Aleichem” – the name of a Yiddish author?
A. Sholom Aleichem was a pen-name for Sholom Rabinowitz (1859-1916), the traditional greeting long predates the celebrated Yiddish author. Q. You take the Talmud’s word for the Oil-Miracle even with no mention of it in the earlier Book of the Maccabees? A. Guilty as charged, I trust the Talmud. Besides, omission alone is not proof enough against, especially considering the argument and ideological struggle of which miracle warrants more emphasis, the oil (spiritual) or the war (physical). Q. Rabbi, why don’t you say the word “Shel” in the Chanukah blessing as many of us do? A. Mushky Galperin helped me with the reason for our custom being different. “Shel” is Hebrew for “of”. When it comes to Shabbat candles, it is Shabbat that is the main celebration and the candles are a ritual to welcome it. Whereas with the Menorah, these lights are the celebration themselves, they are not “of” anything else. Q. I read online that on Friday of Chanukah you need to use thicker candles than usual. Wh
