12/01/2021
The Dreidel vs. The Gragger:
We spin the dreidel from its top, as the miracle of Chanukah happened in an open way. It was clearly G-d’s hand orchestrating it all from Above.
The gragger, by contrast, is held from the bottom, as in the Purim story the many miracles were concealed. G-d orchestrated “natural” events instead of clear miracles.
The avenues of G-d’s miracles differed, but a miraculous salvation occurred in both stories nonetheless.
When we light the menorah, one of the blessings we say is: Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, Who performed miracles for our forefathers in those days, at this time.
➡️“At this time!” G-d performed miracles then, and He still performs miracles TODAY.
When you play dreidel this Chanukah, it’s more than just a game. It’s an opportunity: tap into G-d’s miracles. It’s an inheritance: this is your heritage; own it. It’s a prayer: may we see miracles, revealed miracles, in all of our lives. (Based off of Taamei Minhagim)
Happy Chanukah!
Picture: The Rebbe is presented a Dreidel during "Sunday Dollars".
