In a nearby village there was a merchant who would carefully select olives and press them into oil and bring it to the holy rabbi, and the rabbi would use it to light his menorah. The merchant did this for many years.

One year the winter was hard, the snow blew everywhere, and travel was just about impossible. The eve of Chanukah arrived and the merchant was still planning to deliver the fresh pressed oil. His family pleaded with him not to go, but he was determined, and in the end he set out across the deep snow.

That morning he entered the forest that separated his village from the village where the holy rabbi lived, and the moment he did, it began to snowheavily. The wind blew strong and the snow fell so fast that it covered every landmark, and when at last it stopped, the merchant found that he was lost. The whole world was covered with snow

Now the merchant began to regret not listening to his family. Surely the holy rabbi would have forgiven his absence. Meanwhile, it had become so cold that he began to fear he might freeze. He realized that if he were to die there in the forest, he might not even be buried in a Jewish way. That is when he remembered the oil he was carrying. In order to save his life, he would have to use it. There was no other choice.

As quickly as his numb fingers could move, he tore some of the lining out of his coat and fashioned it into a wick, and he put that wick into the snow. Then he poured oil on it and prayed with great intensity. Finally, he lit the first light of Chanukah, and the flame seemed to light up the whole forest. It seemed that even the wolves saw that light and lifted their heads in song..

After this the exhausted Merchant lay down on the snow and fell asleep. He dreamed he was walking in a warm land, and before him he saw a great mountain, and next to that mountain stood a palm tree. At the foot of the mountain was the opening of a cave. In the dream, the merchant entered the cave and found a lamp burning there. He picked up that lamp, and it lit the way for him until he came to a large cavern, where an old man with a very long beard was seated. There was a sword on his thigh, and his hands were busy making wicks. All of that cavern was piled high with bundles of wicks. The old man looked up when the merchant entered and said: “Shalom Aleichem (Peace be unto you).”

The merchant answered, ”Aleichem Shalom (Unto you peace).” and asked him who he was. He answered: “I am Matisyahu, father of the Maccabees. During my life­time I lit a big torch. I hoped that all of Israel would join me, but only a few answered my call. Now heaven has sent me to watch for the little lamps in the houses of Israel to come together to form a very big flame will announce the Time of Peace that we are all waiting for.”

“Meanwhile, I prepare the wicks for the day when everyone will contribute his light to this great flame. And now, there is something you must do for me. When you reach the holy rabbi, tell him that the wicks are ready, and he should do whatever he can to light the flame that we have awaited so long.”

Amazed at all he had heard, the merchant promised to give the message to the rabbi. As he turned to leave the cave, he awoke and found himself standing in front of the holy rabbi’s house. Just then the rabbi himself opened the door, and his face was glowing. He said: “The power of lighting the Chanukah menorah is very great. Whoever dedicates his soul to this deed brings the Time of Peace that much closer.” (Shabbos 21b)

May your oil burn clean, warm your soul and shine bright with the light of  Shalom (peace)

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