Chapter Overview
This chapter marks the transition from Purim to Chanukah. The Rambam:
- Recounts the story of the Chanukah miracle.
- Establishes the mitzvah of lighting Chanukah candles.
- Explains the blessings of Chanukah.
- Discusses the obligation of Hallel.
- Details when Hallel is complete and when it is abbreviated.
A striking feature of this chapter is that the Rambam opens with the historical and spiritual significance of the Greek oppression and the Hasmonean victory.
Halachah 1 – The Greek Oppression
During the Second Temple period, the Greek rulers imposed harsh decrees upon Israel.
They:
- Prevented Torah study.
- Prevented mitzvah observance.
- Seized Jewish property.
- Violated Jewish women.
- Defiled the Temple.
- Breached its walls and sanctity.
The Jewish people suffered greatly under this oppression.
Halachah 2 – The Victory of the Chashmonaim
God showed mercy to Israel.
The Hasmonean priests:
- Defeated the Greeks.
- Liberated the Jewish people.
- Restored Jewish sovereignty.
The Rambam notes that Jewish rule continued for over 200 years, until the destruction of the Second Temple.
Halachah 3 – The Miracle of the Oil
The victory was completed on:
25 Kislev
When the Jews entered the Temple, they found only one undefiled flask of oil.
It contained enough oil for:
- One day.
Yet it burned for:
- Eight days,
until new pure oil could be prepared.
Halachah 4 – Establishment of Chanukah
Because of this miracle, the Sages instituted:
Eight Days Beginning 25 Kislev
These days are devoted to:
- Joy
- Praise of God (Hallel)
- Lighting candles
The candles are lit:
- Each evening
- At the entrances of homes
to publicize the miracle.
Like Purim:
- Eulogies are forbidden.
- Fasting is forbidden.
The lighting itself is a rabbinic mitzvah.
Halachah 5 – Who Must Light?
Everyone obligated in Purim obligations is also obligated in Chanukah lighting.
This includes:
- Men
- Women
- Converts
- Freed slaves
Halachah 6 – Chanukah Blessings
First Night
Three blessings:
- Lehadlik Ner Shel Chanukah
- SheAsah Nissim
- Shehecheyanu
Remaining Nights
Only:
- Lehadlik Ner Shel Chanukah
- SheAsah Nissim
Halachah 7 – Blessings for One Who Sees the Candles
Someone who merely sees Chanukah candles and has not yet recited the blessings recites:
First Night
- SheAsah Nissim
- Shehecheyanu
Remaining Nights
- SheAsah Nissim only
This reflects the unique nature of Chanukah as a publicized miracle.
Halachah 8 – Hallel During Chanukah
Every day of Chanukah requires:
Complete Hallel
Before Hallel one recites:
“Who sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to complete Hallel.”
The Rambam uses this discussion to explain a broader principle:
A blessing is recited on rabbinic mitzvot that are definite obligations.
Examples:
- Megillah
- Chanukah
- Eruv
Halachah 9 – Why We Bless on Rabbinic Mitzvot
The Rambam asks:
How can we say:
“Who commanded us”
when the mitzvah is rabbinic?
Because the Torah commands obedience to the sages.
Therefore rabbinic obligations are ultimately rooted in Torah authority.
Halachah 10 – Days When Complete Hallel Is Recited
In Eretz Yisrael there are 18 days of complete Hallel:
Sukkot
8 days
Chanukah
8 days
First Day of Pesach
1 day
Shavuot
1 day
Total:
18 days
Halachah 11 – Why Not on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur?
Although they are festivals, Hallel is not recited.
Why?
Because these are days of:
- Judgment
- Awe
- Repentance
rather than days of overflowing joy.
Halachah 12 – Why Not on Purim?
The Rambam gives a famous explanation:
The reading of the Megillah itself serves as Hallel.
The story of the salvation is itself the praise.
Halachah 13 – Outside Eretz Yisrael
Outside Israel there are 21 days of complete Hallel because of second-day Yom Tov observance.
These include:
- 9 days of Sukkot
- 8 days of Chanukah
- 2 days of Pesach
- 2 days of Shavuot
Halachah 14 – Hallel on Rosh Chodesh
Rosh Chodesh Hallel is merely a custom.
Therefore:
- It is abbreviated.
- The Rambam rules no blessing is recited.
- A private individual should generally not recite it alone.
Likewise, on the later days of Pesach only abbreviated Hallel is recited.
Halachah 15 – How Abbreviated Hallel Is Read
The Rambam specifies which sections are omitted in the traditional abbreviated Hallel.
This is the basic practice still followed today on:
- Rosh Chodesh
- Last six days of Pesach
Halachah 16 – Rules for Reading Hallel
The entire day is valid for Hallel.
Like Megillah:
- It must be read in order.
- Reading it out of sequence invalidates fulfillment.
- Long interruptions do not invalidate the reading.
Halachah 17 – Interruptions During Hallel
On days of complete Hallel:
- One may pause between chapters.
- One should not interrupt in the middle of a chapter.
On days of abbreviated Hallel:
- Greater flexibility exists.
Halachah 18 – Blessing After Hallel
Where the custom exists, a concluding blessing is recited.
The Rambam records the text beginning:
“Yehalelucha Hashem Elokeinu kol ma’asecha…”
which concludes with praise of God’s eternal kingship.
Halachah 19 – Variations in Custom
The Rambam acknowledges that different communities developed different customs, including:
- Repeating verses
- Different congregational responses
A community should maintain its accepted practice.
Halachah 20 – The Original Method of Hallel
The chapter closes with a lengthy description of the ancient form of responsive Hallel:
- The leader recited each line.
- The congregation answered “Halleluyah.”
- Certain opening verses of each section were repeated by the congregation.
The Rambam views this as the original and ideal structure of public Hallel recitation.