The 18th of Elul is the day on which:
A. The Hasmoneans finally won Judean independence from Seleucid-Greek rule
B. The Maharal of Prague left our world
C. The Baal Shem Tov entered our world and later (on his 36th birthday) revealed the teachings of Ḥasidut
Understanding the connection between these events can help us to appreciate the day’s significance and access its light.
