SPIRITUAL LIVING

One who scrupulously observes the kindling of the Chanukah light will have children who are Torah scholars.                                  (Tractate Shabbos 23b)

Chiddushei HaRim notes the relationship between the Hebrew term, ha-ra-gil, used in this Talmudic dictum, one who customarily observes, and the term, hergel, which means habit.

The Rabbis are teaching us that one who wants his children to be Torah scholars should be careful to bring spiritual light into his habitual mode of living. If his observance of mitzvos is not treated as a mere habit, but is suffused with a spiritual glow, he can expect it to be reflected in his family. 

Source: Chiddushei HaRim quoted in Chanukah : Its History, Observance and Significance. Mesorah Publications. Brooklyn, New York

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