Hallel On Chanukah

The holidays of Chanukah and Purim were decreed by the Rabbis. There may be hints to them from the Torah, but they are rabbinical.

The question that is asked is why is Hallel recited on Chanukah and not on Purim? One answer is that the Megilla takes the place of Hallel. There is no special book read on Chanukah.

Another answer comes from the story of Yosef being thrown into the pit. It contained snakes and scorpions. There is a Gemara in Yevamot said that if a woman gets testimony that her husband fell into a pit of snakes and scorpions, she can remarry on the basis of that testimony. She can assume that her husband was killed.

The reason why Yosef was saved, was in the merit of Eretz Yisrael.

The holiness of the land, gave him protection. This answers our question about Hallel. The miracle of Chanukah took place in Israel. The miracle of Purim took place in Persia.

The added holiness of the land that saved Yosef, merited the additional prayer of Hallel. We must always appreciate our special connection to the land. Since it is our home, it provides us with added protection and safety.