Rabbi Shmuel Wagner

Class one: We explore the deeper meaning of the Greeks' argument. What exactly was bothering them about Judaism?

What is at the core of doing Mitzvos? Does understanding a Mitzvah weaken, or strengthen, one's connection to Hashem?

We explore the perspective of the Rambam regarding Mitzvos, and then the perspective of Chassidus, uncovering that the Greeks had a problem, not (only) with illogical Mitzvos, but with the Jewish approach of entirely disregarding logic.

Class two: After explaining the argument of the Yevanim last week, we finish the Maamar this week by defining how to fight against it, and how we see this in the story of Chanukah.

Being that the Yevanim defiled all the oil - all the intellect - the only way to be victorious against them is by using the unbeatable power of the Yechidah. Not only is there no struggle when it comes to Yechidah, there is not even a discussion - because in the Yechidah perspective, there is no other option! In two words: Mesirus Nefesh.

This is what we celebrate on Chanukah - a Judaism centered around, and based on, unwavering dedication to Hashem, not because it makes sense, but because this is the only reality, and we are ready to defend this reality at any cost.