The final day of Hanukkah is known as Zot Chanukah or Chanukat HaMizbeach (dedication of the altar), drawing its name from the verse read in the synagogue on this day, (Numbers 7:84): Zot chanukat ha’mizbe’ach (This is the dedication of the altar).
According to Kabbalistic and Hasidic teachings, this day serves as the ultimate “seal” of the High Holiday season that began with Rosh Hashanah. It is viewed as a time for repentance inspired by love for God.
In line with this sentiment, many Chasidic Jews exchange on this day the traditional Yom Kippur greeting “Gmar chatimah tovah” (May your signed fate be good).
Chassidic and Kabbalistic texts teach that Zot Chanukah is especially favorable for the acceptance of our prayers in heaven.
Chassidic masters, referencing Kabbalistic sources, explain that God’s mercy extends beyond Yom Kippur, offering the Jewish people until the final day of Chanukah—Zot Hanukkah—to return to Him and merit a favorable judgment.
They see support for this idea in verses such as Isaiah 27:9: “Through this (zot) will Jacob’s sin be forgiven”, interpreting “zot” to be an allusion to the holiness and spiritual significance of Zot Chanukah.
SACRED NUMEROLOGY
The word “Zot” in the Torah is a reference to the Shechina (God’s presence in tangible reality) as in (Leviticus 16:3), “Be’zot yavo Aharaon el ha’kodesh” (with that shall Aharon enter the Sanctuary).
The numeric value of Zot in Hebrew is 408. During the U’netaneh Tokef prayer on the Days of Awe, the worshippers cry out, “U’teshuva u’tefilah u’tzedaka ma’avirim et ro’a ha’gzeira” (Repentance, prayer, and righteousness avert the severity of the decree).
In the High Holiday machzorim (prayer books) the words Teshiva, Tefilah, Tzedaka are accompanied respectively in small print by the words Kol, Tzom, Mamon (Voice, Fast, Money).
The numeric value of Kol in Hebrew is 136; Tzom is 136; and Mamon is also 136. Together they equal 408.
In other words, the presence of God on earth, Zot, the Shechina, is comprised of repentance, prayer, and charity.
Have a warm winter and don’t forget to offer to clear Mrs. Zimmerman’s driveway.
