""I wish I were worthy of such devotion": Whom did Rabbi Kook express admiration for during the lighting ceremony?

At the entrance to the renovated room of Rabbi Dov Kook, the 'Tsaddik of Tiberias', a Chanukah candle lighting ceremony was held last night (Tuesday) that drew crowds. However, just before the blessings, the rabbi surprised those present with an inspiring statement.

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In the midst of the ceremony, as he looked toward the candles, Rabbi Kook said: "I wish I could attain a level of dedication like that of the kidnapped, to light a Hanukkah candle 40 meters underground.".

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At this year's Hanukkah, the lighting ceremony looked completely different from anything his students had ever seen:

• Location: For the first time, the lighting was held at the entrance to the rabbi's new room facing the street. This was after the room, adjacent to the yeshiva hall, underwent extensive renovations funded by Nadiv.
• Accessibility: Due to the Rabbi's weakness, a special bridge was built leading from the street directly into the room, which allowed the Rabbi to light a lamp at the entrance facing the public domain as he requested.
• The Menorah: Another change that was noted is in the mitzvah vessel. After decades of making sure to light a simple glass or tin menorah, this year the Grad lit a particularly elegant menorah made of a combination of gold and silver, which was purchased for him by one of his associates.

As is his custom, the rabbi lit the candles exactly twenty minutes after sunset. After the blessings, the musical accompaniment of musical instruments put the large audience into an atmosphere of devotion and joy of a mitzvah.