Tikkun Chatzot during Hanukkah—a segula for rebuilding the Beit HaMikdash

Tikkun Chatzot during Hanukkah—a segula for rebuilding the Beit HaMikdash

Many holy books describe Hanukkah as an especially auspicious time for the rebuilding of the Beit HaMikdash. During Hanukkah, Tachanun is not recited—the special prayer for G-d's merciful forgiveness of our sins, which we often do not deserve. However, there is a beautiful custom and segula: during these days, to recite Tikkun Chatzot—the midnight rectification—not all of Tikkun Chatzot, but only one section of it: Tikkun Leah. This is because Leah represents Geulah, while Rachel represents Galut. Tikkun Leah corresponds to David (of the tribe of Judah, a descendant of Leah)—the Mashiach, while Tikkun Rachel corresponds to Yosef (a descendant of Rachel). David HaMelech established Tikkun Chatzot: “Chatzot lailah akum lehodot Lach” (At midnight I rise to give thanks to You). (Tehillim 119:62) Tikkun Leah is the thanksgiving section of Tikkun Chatzot, and it is specifically about this section that David says he rises at midnight to give thanks to the Almighty. Tikkun Rachel is the mourning section—for Yosef wept on the necks (in the plural) of Benjamin, and Rashi explains that Yosef wept over the two Batei HaMikdash in Benjamin’s portion.   Tikkun Leah consists of the following chapters of Tehillim: 42, 43, 20, 24, 67, 111, 51, and 126. Hanukkah is a special time to turn our thoughts to the Beit HaMikdash, where the Menorah burned and illuminated the entire world. Through our prayers, we can help bring that day closer. (translated from the “Zchut Avot” website)