Of all Yaakov Avinu's sons, the one most closely associated with Torah study is Yissaschar. Yissaschar was born on Shavuos, the festival of the Torah's giving. His conception, however, was on Chanukah. Thus, Yissaschar himself, his very entrance into this world, connects Chanukah to Shavuos. Just as the conception of life is hidden from us, manifest only after the fact, so too Chanukah symbolizes the hidden light of the Torah.
Birth represents the ultimate revelation of that which is hidden.
They are the children of Yissaschar who symbolize the connection between the hidden and the revealed Torah. Written by Rabbi Yaakov Asher Sinclair . Ohr Somayach is hosted by Virtual Jerusalem Virtual Jerusalem Site Terms, Conditions of Use and Warranties.