Is zos Chanukah a chassidish thing?

amother

OP ↓

Wed, Jan 01 2025, 2:48 pm

I’m seeing tons of stuff about zos Chanukah but my husband says it’s not something we acknowledge as there’s no real source for it… does anyone know? In general we don’t really hold by general chassidish thoughts or concepts that aren’t sourced clearly. I’m just wondering if anyone has better knowledge

amother

Moccasin

Wed, Jan 01 2025, 2:49 pm

Yes it's a chassidish thing, DH also said there is no source and it's the same as the other days of chanukah

amother

Heather

Wed, Jan 01 2025, 2:51 pm

Op, what do you mean by is zos chanukah a "thing"? What exactly is your question?

amother

Cobalt

Wed, Jan 01 2025, 2:52 pm

I see non chassidish influencers posting about zos chanuka.

amother

↑ OP ↓

Wed, Jan 01 2025, 2:53 pm

amother Heather wrote:

Op, what do you mean by is zos chanukah a "thing"? What exactly is your question?

There are events and talk of it being a very special day etc.

amother

↑ OP ↓

Wed, Jan 01 2025, 2:53 pm

amother Cobalt wrote:

I see non chassidish influencers posting about zos chanuka.

Ok but that’s not surprising at all. Neochassidism is very popular now.

amother

PlumPink ↓

Wed, Jan 01 2025, 2:56 pm

Im yeshivish.
The thing about Zos Chanukah is the longer Krias Hatorah.

My boys say that in the yeshivos they joke that Zos Chanukah is the most heilige day of the year because it doesn't prevent second Seder. (All week, they're dismissed at 4 and go back at 7 so they have half an hour of second Seder, tomorrow Zos Chanukah, there will be a full second Seder because Chanukah ends).

Little bird

Wed, Jan 01 2025, 6:13 pm

I have seen it sourced from the rishiner. Definitely a valid chassidisher source.

Ruchi ↓

Wed, Jan 01 2025, 8:14 pm

*Segulot for Zot Chanukah*

The final 24 hours of Chanukah, from Wednesday evening to nightfall on Thursday, represent the most critical and spiritually significant time of the entire year.
Zot Chanukah, the eighth and final day of Chanukah, holds a unique spiritual power comparable to the Ne'ilah of Yom Kippur. Rabbi Israel of Ruzhin zt’l teaches that while the Gadol HaDor (leader of the generation) can attain extraordinary spiritual achievements during the Ne'ilah of Yom Kippur, every Jew—regardless of their spiritual level—has the opportunity to access these profound blessings on Zot Chanukah. On this auspicious day, all Jews can acquire miracles (nissim), wonders (niflaot), salvations (yeshuot), and blessings (brachot) not only for the coming year but, in some cases, these divine gifts can endure for a lifetime.

The reason the final day of Chanukah is called Zot Chanukah is because during Shacharit, we read from the Torah the phrase "Zot Chanukat HaMizbeach", which refers to the dedication of the Mizbeach (alter).

The Tzaddik of Alexander explains that the verse from Tehillim, "Me’Et Hashem hayta Zot he niflaat be eynenu", ("This is from Hashem; it is a wonder in our eyes") refers to Zot Chanukah. On this day, Hashem grants us the opportunity to witness miracles firsthand—miracles we will remember. Zot Chanukah is the final day of Channukah and also the final signature of what was decided on Rosh Hashana, signed on Yom Kippur and delivered on Hoshaana Raba. During Chanukah, we had a unique chance to plead before Hashem once more, and the final day—Zot Chanukah—seals the year’s decree, finalizing the divine blessings of salvation (Yeshuot), mercy (Rachamim), and abundance (Bracha) for the year ahead.

Mordechai Ha’Kadosh teaches that on Zot Chanukah, Hashem sends down to Klal Yisrael goodness, blessings, and salvations. He raises the collective mazal (fortune) of the Klal Israel, bestowing upon us a special measure of divine favor from the higher realms. This extraordinary flow of blessings allows us to receive both spiritual and material prosperity, elevating us to higher levels and granting us blessings that transcend the natural order.

The Beit Aharon of Karlin teaches that on Zot Chanukah, the upper world of Keter (the crown) illuminates and influences our mazal. This world of Keter typically only shines briefly during the Mussaf prayer on Shabbat, when we recite the Kedusha, but on this special day of Chanukah, its light is far more abundant, offering us an opportunity to connect with divine favor.

On the eighth day of Chanukah, it is said that Hashem is Adon HaNiflaot—the Master of Wonders and Miracles. This is a day when anything becomes attainable with heartfelt prayer.

Now that we understand the profound significance and immense spiritual power of this day, it is crucial to seize these 24 hours with intense prayer and determination. This is the time to be persistent in our requests and not let the precious moments slip by. We have the unique opportunity to receive miracles and blessings that transcend our natural mazal, elevating us beyond what would ordinarily be possible.

Please share this powerful message with those around you, so that everyone can benefit from this extraordinary Eit Ratson—a time of divine favor—and take full advantage of the miraculous potential of Zot Chanukah.

Rav avitan suggests we do the following to maximize the blessings and opportunities of this special day:

1. Light the 8th Channukah candle on Wednesday night and read the Tehillim that Rav Avitan said we should read daily after lighting the candles.

(Segula for protection from the Baal Shem Tov: Say the last verse of tehillim 90 followed by tehillim 91 *seven* times. Followed by the set of Tehillim suggested by many Tsaddikim and Mekoubalim, to be read in the given order. Reading these chapters of Tehillim promises to open gates to great things. Tehillim chapters 30, 19, 67 (best to read in the shape of the menorah), 121, 100, 33 and 150 followed by Ana Bekoach (all 7 verses).) Once you’ve read the Tehillim and Ana Bekoach, start praying and asking for all your wishes and needs in your own language and words.

2. *On Zot Chanukah, it is especially important to create a sacred space for reflection, prayer, and connection with Hashem. Take a break from all distractions—turn off your phone, computer, and any other electronic devices. This will allow you to focus fully on the spiritual energy of the moment.*

Immerse in the Holy Light of the Menorah. Spend 1 or 2 hours—or even longer—sitting quietly by the light of the Chanukah menorah. Let the flames, inspire your prayers and thoughts. Feel the sanctity of the moment and allow the light to fill your heart with gratitude and hope.Pray fervently, keeping in mind that Zot Chanukah is a time when the gates of Heaven are wide open. Your prayers are especially powerful during this time, and it is a unique opportunity to request blessings for the year ahead.

3. Read the Tikkun Haklali. Tehillim chapters are 16, 32, 41, 42, 59, 77, 90, 105, 137 and 150 (טז לב מא מב נט עז צ קה קלז קנ)

4. Any time during the 24-hour period of Zot Chanukah read Tehillim 119 according to your name and your mother's name followed with the letters of the word מזל (Mazal).

5. Recite the prayer Nishmat Kol Chay without saying the final blessing at the end of Yishtabach (See attached version).

6. Keep in mind that these 24 hours are crucial and that through your prayers, you have the ability to influence the blessings, success, and divine favor for the year ahead. Use this time to increase in prayer and Tehillim, and focus on asking for all your personal needs and desires. Don’t hesitate to repeat your requests or to "plead your case"—this is a time when your prayers are especially potent. Be persistent and wholehearted in your supplications to maximize your potential for blessings.

7. Take one specific thing that you are missing in your life—whether it is a personal need, a blessing, or something you deeply desire—and pray for it directly in front of the burning Chanukah candles. Dedicate at least 15 consecutive minutes to praying for this request. Even if you need to repeat your request over and over, stay focused and persistent.

8. A special segula for singles is to recite Chapter 7 (ז) in Bamidbar any time during the day on Thursday. After reading this chapter, take time to pray that you should merit to build a Bayit Ne'eman Be'Yisrael (a faithful home in Israel) in the coming year, B'H. https://www.mechon-mamre.org/p/pt/pt0407.htm

9. Given that Zot Chanukah carries a spiritual weight similar to that of Yom Kippur, as a means of strengthening your bond with Hashem, consider taking a small mitzvah upon yourself. By doing so, you create a deeper connection with Hashem and set the stage for even more blessings to flow into your life.

Wishing everyone a blessed and happy Chanukah, filled with blessings, miracles, and salvations. May you have a Gmar Chatima Tova and a sweet, prosperous, and blessed year ahead, B'H.

https://chat.whatsapp.com/BDzo.....wwsHA

amother

Thistle

Wed, Jan 01 2025, 8:23 pm

Chasidish things very often mean stuff that was dropped by everyone else and only chasidim held onto it. Research and you will see that to be the case.

Also note that chasidim celebrate every opportunity and make the mundane holy (its the essence of chassidus) and so many things that were braught down in seforim and kabala were later turned into a “thing” by chasidim. Chassidis means serving hashem with joy and meaning. Making the everyday into a holy something.
So zos chanuka has tremendous power according to kabala. Chasidish therefore acted on it.
Nowadays anyone who searches for meaning usually ends up following chasidish stuff because it has more depth.

Signed a former litvak proud chasidista.

amother

Cerulean

Wed, Jan 01 2025, 9:33 pm

amother PlumPink wrote:

Im yeshivish.

My boys say that in the yeshivos they joke that Zos Chanukah is the most heilige day of the year because it doesn't prevent second Seder. (All week, they're dismissed at 4 and go back at 7 so they have half an hour of second Seder, tomorrow Zos Chanukah, there will be a full second Seder because Chanukah ends).

Lol. Was just going to post that!
We should be friends.

Ds just said it tonight in someone's name. Maybe rav wachtfogel?

amother

SandyBrown

Wed, Jan 01 2025, 9:38 pm

amother Thistle wrote:

amother

↑ OP ↓

Wed, Jan 01 2025, 9:43 pm

amother SandyBrown wrote:

This is all very vague. I’m asking for sources like halachic sources that have clear origins in Torah and Halacha.
Also chasidush stuff is stuff that was dropped by everyone else?? What are you talking about??

dankbar

Wed, Jan 01 2025, 9:44 pm

Some rebbes make a tish zos chanukah

amother

↑ OP ↓

Wed, Jan 01 2025, 9:46 pm

Ruchi wrote:

This whole post represents what I’m asking. I don’t see any sources other than this and that rebbe said or teaches.. I appreciate it but that’s what I am asking if it’s a chassidish thing only. Because as I said we don’t really hold of general chassidish ideas that’s aren’t based on concrete sources

↑ Ruchi ↓

Thu, Jan 02 2025, 4:34 am

amother OP wrote:

Rav Avitan, who is quoted, isn't chassidish. However, it doesn't mention where he draws his sources from.

amother

Begonia

Thu, Jan 02 2025, 5:59 am

I'm as litvish as they come (no chassidish blood at all on either side) and always knew that zos chanukah was a time for davening.

amother

Blushpink

Thu, Jan 02 2025, 8:55 am

The מהר"ל מפראג who lived way before Chassidus existed, is already writing about the uniqueness and holiness of this day and it being a day above the Teva.
So does the מהרי"ל who lived many hundreds of years before the Chassidus movement and was the leader of the Ashkenaz jews in his time. He is quoted as an Halachik authority by many of the Halacha books such as the Rema.

The Arizal and Rabbi Chaim Vital are also explaining in length about this special day.

So while Chasidim are indeed making a big deal about this day, it is definitely not a thing that they just made up.

amother

↑ PlumPink ↓

Thu, Jan 02 2025, 8:57 am

amother Blushpink wrote:

Do you have actual sources where they talk about it?
Because my husband and Rav both told me separately that they tried to find it and couldn't.
They've heard it quoted from them, but no actual written source from them.

amother

↑ OP ↓

Thu, Jan 02 2025, 9:06 am

amother PlumPink wrote:

Was about to ask the same.