[VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]
[By Rabbi Yair Hoffman]
It is one of those Chassidish Chanukah Minhagim that Litvaks generally don’t really go for. Nonetheless, it is a genuine Minhag that dates back hundreds of years. In a nutshell, this is what is done:
In Chassidish communities of Poland and Hungary, it has been the custom when the Shamash is ready to light the Chanukah candles in shul, for children and others to throw hand towels and other items at him both before and during the lighting.
The custom is still practiced today in numerous Chassidish minyanim.
One can understain why Litvaks would not appreciate this particular custom. The Eliyahu Rabbah writes that talking to someone in the middle of a bracha may constitute Lifnei Iver – certainly throwing items at a person may cause a person to lose focus. There is the other issue of decorum within a shul and Beis Midrash as well.
Yet, on the other hand, is said that the Tzeshinover Rebbe was informed that one city that formerly had the practice had abolished it. He remarked, “Who knows what shall become of this city.” It is brought down that the Jewish community in that city was decimated r”l (See Pninei Chassidus [Vishnitz] page 31).
What is the reason for this custom and where does it come from?
The custom is cited in the name of the Sanzer Rav, but quite feasibly could have dated before this as well. The Halichos Chaim, written by Rabbi Aharon Kluger cites the minhagim of the Klausenberger Rebbe Rav Yekusiel Halbershtam (Chanukah p.18) and explains that the purpose of this custom was to vividly demonstrate how things were during the time of the Greeks and the Hellenists when a Jew wished to perform a Mitzvah. He was laughed and jeered at, unless the Mitzvah was performed in their specific Hellenizing way.
Yet another given for this custom by the Klausenberger Rebbe is that on the chance that the Shamash feels a sense of empowerment and haughtiness in fulfilling this Mitzvah so publicly. The clothing and towels are thrown at him to demonstrate that he has accomplished nothing (See Yehi Ohr 5733 p.67).
Yet a third reason is that both Lag BaOmer and Chanukah are connected to the Neshama of Rabbi Shimon Br Yochai. Tzaddikim are a type of Ohr HaMakif – all-encompassing light, according to the writings of the AriZal. Clothing signify this, therefore the custom is to throw clothing which signifies the all-encompassing light of Tzaddikim in this world (See Ben Yehoyada Sanhedrin 102a as cited in Nachalas Sadeh VaYikrah page 611).
The custom to light in shul only dates to the times of the late Rishonim. It is interesting to note that neither the Rambam, the Rif, the Rosh, the Ohr Zaruah, the Eshkol, Rashi, nor the Machzor Vitri mentions the custom of lighting in shul. The earliest authority to mention the custom is the Baal HaIttur. Indeed, the first to mention that a blessing is recited is Rav Yitzchok Perfet, the Rivash (1326-1408). The Maharam Shick (YD) stated that the Chasam Sofer actually did not recite a blessing when lighting in shul.
As far as lighting in shul in general, there are two reasons brought down. The Chayei Odom (154:17) explains that we light and recite the blessing in the synagogue because of Pirsumei Nisah – publicizing the miracle. The Levush (#8) gives a different reason. He says that it is so that guests who have no place to stay could also see the Chanukah lights. Dayan Weiss (Minchas Yitzchok Vol. VI 65:1) explains that according to the first reason a child who has reached the age of Chinuch may light in the Synagogue; while according to the Levush’s reason he may not. Rav Elyashiv zt”l (as cited in Yashiv Moshe p.86) states that according to either reason a child may not light in shul. Rav Elyashiv made no mention, however, about children throwing towels at the shamash. It is likely that he would not have been happy with this custom.
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21 Responses
Is it a litvishe custom to write tongue in cheek articles about chassidishe minhagim?
Firstly, this clip is not typical.
Usually, those that practice this custom, just a few towels are tossed. And just for a few short seconds.
This clip is an exception. And what we are really seeing is a few teenagers and young kids having some extra fun.
Children behaving like children.
It’s like a “Jewish” version of some hyper youngsters having a food fight.
(In Judaism a “Food fight” is considered wrong because it’s wasteful and “Bizui Ochlin”.)
Secondly, I learned a different reason for this custom;
According to Halachah NOBODY is “Yotzeh” Menorah-lighting in Shul (meaning that the required lighting is not achieved with the Shul lighting).
The observers need to light their candles at home.
Even the person that lights in Shul needs to light again at home with all the Brochos!
The purpose of the Shul lighting is only symbolic, to further spread and publicize the miracle of Channukah.
Therefore some comedy is practiced during the Shul lighting, in order to signify that this lighting should not be taken too “seriously”.
It’s not “the real thing”. And everybody is still required to light their own Menorahs.
It’s just that these youths are a bit more exuberant…
p.s. The “volunteer” that lights the Shul Menorah knows in advance what he’s getting himself into.
No need to pity him. He’s in on the fun.
I cannot believe what I am seeing ! It’s a “chillul Hashem” that at the time of making a brocha this horrible behavior is going on. Please remove this video from your site.
Don’t panic, and take your towel.
Looks kinda dangerous to me…
OMG
Nuts lol nuts
Firstly what is being thrown iOS news papers, papers and a towel. There were no clothing thrown
Secondly what was the original reason , or how they did it , one can argue. However this video clearly show a bunch on thugs in costume being just wild
Maybe the army would give them some manners
I would have thrown chocolate gelt and donuts. This way the kiddies can get some good eats.
שמרה נפשי כי חסיד אני (והמבין יבין)
Everyone, please:
If you’re getting all excited about this, read #2’s post, take a deep breath, chill out and have a freilichen Chanukah.
Please hange the heading !
Not “Interesting”. It should be changed to STUPID!
A better heading would be “Hillul Hashem at Chassidish Lighting Menorah”
How funny would this be if a thrown towel or garment caught fire?
I now know that rabbi hoffman will defend even the most absurd actions of chassidim so he can no longer be taken seriously on anything and i also now know not to place one ounce of faith in chassidishe seforim cited by rabbi hoffman in this article.
Perhaps the custom came about to assist the person lighting the candles either by providing additional burning material for the torch used to light the menorah or to form wicks in case the ones in hand didn’t light properly from shreds of the towels.
Wise-Guy has it absolutely right. It’s a Chassidishe version of boys gone wild. If this our worst, we are in great shape.
Which “Minhag” is more Chashuv? Towel Throwing, Oleh Regel to Uman, or being Oleh Regel to Meron???
I am going to institute a new minhag. Next time there is a Kiddush in my shul, while the person who says kiddush out loud for all to hear, I will gather as many towels and pelt him with them. I will also ask as many other people to join in the action. If anyone questions this practice, I will respond that this kiddush is not the real one, I have to repeat the real one at home right before the seudah, so for there not to be any confusion we need to throw towels for one to defrentiate. I am sure the custom will be well accepted amongst all.
Btw, this may shed a little light as to why misnaagdim were up in arms against Chasidim centuries ago.
Since we are instituting customs, I’m all for the custom that chassidim should explain chassidishe minhagim, not litvaks with a deadline for an article of 250 words.
#1 Apushetayid- the answer to your question is yes.
Attention Comment # 18,
The person that makes Kiddush in Shul, and those that are “Yotzeh” with his Kiddush, indeed do NOT have to make Kiddush again at home.
(Provided that they also ate at the Shul’s Kiddush. Which makes it “Kiddush B’mokom Seudah”)
(Btw, I think that perhaps your title is apt, but possibly “Groyseh Ahm Ha’aretz” would be more fitting…)