WHEN CHANUKAH'S GONE, WHERE WILL WE BE?

 Well, Chanukah is almost over. Where do we go from here?

To really get the answer, we'll have to go back to the beginning.

On the first night of Chanukah, Hashem brought His life-giving light to our homes. Since we lost the Bais HaMikdash a long time ago and so couldn't go visit Him, He came to us instead. Seeing how lost we were in the despair and emptiness of the exile, He promised that on every subsequent night, there will be more and more light.

At first, we might have been a bit bewildered and overwhelmed. But then, after getting used to it, for eight nights we basked and luxuriated in the new-found light and warmth, Even though our bodies couldn't use that light, our souls both could and did.

But then, something else started happening. The bright glow of Chanukah enabled us to see our life in a new light until we were ready to say to Hashem: "Although I'm happy and grateful that You're here with me, I realize now that I don't really want to be here! After all, this is still exile. I have gotten used to it, but now I want to get out. Please tell me what I need to do."

And Hashem, in His kindness, said to us, "You want to get out? Sure! You'll be given every opportunity. Right after Chanukah, you'll go into the period of Shovavim where you'll be learning the parashiyos in Chumash about Yetziyas Mitzraim. This will allows you to experience the exodus "in theory". And then, after many other preparations, there will be Pesach when you're really going to get out of your exile. So take heart and get ready. Chanukah will soon be over, but everything else is just beginning!"

So this is what Hashem says to us, now that we're coming to the end of Chanukah. I, for one, hear His message loud and clear. And this gives me hope. Chanukah sets the stage for everything that's going to come, and there really is what to look forward to!

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