Chapter 139:24 (a)
Chanukah
24(a). On Shabbos during Chanukah, two Torah Scrolls are removed [from the
ark]. From the first one we read the regular weekly portion ("Parshas
HaShavua") (1). From the second scroll we read the "Maftir," [which
consists of the offering of one of the princes ("Nasi") described in
"Parashas Naso," the one which corresponds to that particular] day of
Chanukah (2). The "Haftorah" [on that Shabbos begins with the words] "Roni
VeSimchi..." (Zechariah 2:14). If there is another Shabbos during Chanukah
(3), we read the "Haftorah" from I Kings 7:40, [which mentions] the
Menorahs of King Solomon.
When the first day of the month ("Rosh Chodesh") of "Teves" (4) occurs on a
weekday, two Torah scrolls are removed [from the ark]. Three men are called
up to read from the first scroll, [from the portion of the Torah usually
read on] "Rosh Chodesh." Then, from the second scroll, a fourth person is
called up to read the [offering of the prince described in "Parashas Naso"
which corresponds to that particular] day of Chanukah. The portion of "Rosh
Chodesh" is read before [the reading of Chanukah], because "Rosh Chodesh"
occurs more frequently throughout the year, and we follow the principle
that the more frequently occurring mitzvah takes precedence ("Todir
Ve'She'Eino Todir, Todir Kodem").
FOOTNOTES:
(1) At least seven people should be called up for the reading in the first
scroll.
(2) Those offerings were brought for the "Chanukas HaMizbeach" (the
"dedication of the altar") on the day that the "Mishkan"
("Tabernacle") was first erected. Each of the 12 princes brought his
offering on a different day during the first twelve days of the month of
Nissan, one year after the Israelites left Egypt (See HY 139:23) . The
dedication of the altar relates to Chanukah because the miracle of Chanukah
occurred while the Beit Hamikdash was being, in a sense, rededicated, after
it had been freed from Greek control.
(3) This will occur if the first day of Chanukah falls on Shabbos.
(4) "Rosh Chodesh Teves" always occurs during Chanukah.
