להודות ולהלל – Rabbi Micha Sklar

The על הניסים addition for Chanuka concludes by stating that the חכמים instituted חנוכה as a time “to express thanks and praise to Your great
Name – להודות ולהלל לשמך הגדול”. For one to be able to reach such a high level of emotion where he really feels compelled to praise Hashem – הלל, this always needs to be proceeded by the thanks – הודיה.
The word ‘להודות’ shares the same root as the word מודה, to admit. Only when a person takes a step back to admit and internalize how fortunate he is
could he then become overwhelmed with gratitude. This is really a general rule in life – there are no shortcuts.
Appreciating anything on a deeper level demands careful focus and attention. In Torah learning this is for sure true. Anybody who really enjoys and fully experiences his Torah knows that this only comes as a result of hard work. Having patience to clarify and be impacted by everything one learns will quickly develop into a strong appreciation for the most precious thing we have.

Have a Good Shabbos, Chanuka Sameach, and Chodesh Tov.