Chanukah 5786 – Black Gold

Crude oil is sometimes referred to as black gold, given its connection to general economic development and growth. Olive oil can also be a great industry for a country. Spain recently legislated an arms embargo against Israel, but they are still perfectly happy to sell us Olive Oil for our Menorahs. Clearly their understanding of Chanukah and the true power behind the Jewish war machine is somewhat lacking.

One man’s gold is another man’s rubbish (or trash for my readers across the pond). Accounting is all about putting a number and fixed value to assets and liabilities, even when it’s tricky to do so. How do the Tax Authorities deal with these situations? Sometimes an object’s main value is due to it’s sentimental or religious value. Does that count as a valuation?

For example, a family decides to write a Sefer Torah in memory of a recently passed relative and donate it to their local Shul. They then seek to get tax deductions based on the donation. In Israel it’s a 35% credit. Is there any monetary amount that can quantify the emotions and feelings tied into the Sefer Torah? For the family, and maybe even the community, it is priceless. But how do you tell that to Mas Hachnassa?

Tax Authorities generally go with the market value. What could this item be sold to a third party for? In this case, say the Sefer Torah could be sold for 50,000NIS, then that would be the price. Even though the family would never dream of selling it.

We find a fascinating theme throughout the Chanukah story. The Greeks seemingly stopped short in their goal of destroying the Jewish people. They clearly had control of the Beis Hamikdash, so why didn’t they destroy it? They defiled all the oils, why not spill them out? They took off the doors of houses, why not destroy them? They abused brides, but stopped short of forbidding marriage?

The answer clear. It all has to do with value. What is something worth to you? The Bach explains that the suffering from the Greek empire came upon the Jews as they did not value the service of the Beis Hamikdash enough. They were lax and lazy in its performance. Only when they showed that they were willing to fight and die for what they believed in were they redeemed.

The Greeks had no problem with cultural Judaism. You can have your homes, families, Temple and even your Menorah. But the Greeks tried to convince us of one thing. You’re not special. Nothing you do is meaningful or valuable. It’s nice and cute and culturally acceptable but doesn’t really matter.

Chanukah is when we celebrate the spark in our lives that makes them special. We rededicate ourselves to living lives of values and achievements that matter.

For any oil related or other financial issues, please reach out at [email protected].

Good Shabbos, Good Chodesh and Happy Chanukah!