Celebrating the 18th of Elul

The Hasmonean Dynasty, which won independence on the 18th of Elul
The 18th of Elul was once a Hebrew festival marking the day Shimon HaTarsi achieved full independence for Judea from Seleucid-Greek rule after a brutal guerrilla war spanning nearly three decades.

The 18th of Elul is the day on which:
A. The Hasmoneans finally won Judean independence from Seleucid-Greek rule
B. The Maharal of Prague left our world
C. The Baal Shem Tov entered our world and later (on his 36th birthday) revealed the teachings of Ḥasidut
D. The Baal HaTanya entered our world

Understanding the connection between these events can help us to appreciate the day’s significance and access its light.

(SoundCloud link: https://soundcloud.com/visionmag/celebrating-the-18th-of-elul)

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