The apocrypha which Yidden once shunned, has the elaborate version of the Chanuka story. The earliest text of all tells the story of the candles.

Chanuka candles (as opposed to Shabbos candles) are not for any use. We are not allowed to benefit from them at all. Why?

Listen to what the candles are saying, longer version.The candles of Chanuka are only to be looked at. The Frierdiker rebbe says the candles in their quiescence and peacefulness are saying something incredibly deep. LISTEN, Longer Version.

Two reasons: 1) In the pre-Moshiach world only actual things matter not potential, not-withstanding the great advantage of the potential over the actual. 2) We follow Beis Hillel who connects it to מעלין בקדש ולא מורידין rather than to פרי החג. All eight days of Chanuka have nothing tot do with Goyim!

The well known argument between Beis Shamai and Beis Hillel whether to add or subtract the total number of lights each successive night of Chanuka has been resolved like the Beis Hillel. The message in this is that we must grow in holiness.

Chanuka, a holiday of Jewish sacrifice. (5773/ 2012). No Cheshbonos, Not even of Kedusha (5778/ 2017). This short class points out that the miracle of Chanukah is more about Yidden’s Mesiras Nefesh than about the super natural hand of Hashem that their actions inspired.

The war and the oil. Some hold we celebrate only the oil. The RaMbaM holds we celebrate both. Some of the ramifications of the RaMbaM’s perspective. Winning means having peace (5774/ 2013). The two levels of ‘Pada BiShalom’ are reflected in Chanuka’s two miracles. Chanuka, the darkness is the truth (5774/ 2013). the darkness of…

Chanuka the day after (5769/ 2008) Part One.The war was won the 24th and the holiday declared the 25th.

Megillas Antiyuchus, Part One. The oldest text that deal with Chanuka DO tell the story of the miracle of finding the jug of oil.