In just a few days Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, begins. Hanukkah has only one mitzvah associated with it: the lighting of the menorah. While it may seem like a "small" holiday, Hanukkah has many lessons to teach us. The lighting of the candles alone has a profound meaning. As we watch the candles burn each night we recite:
We light these candles to recall the miracles, wonders, salvation, and battles which You performed for our ancestors in those days at this season through Your holy kohanim. These lights are sacred through all eight days of Hanukkah. We are not permitted to make any ordinary use of them, but to look on them in order to praise and thank you for Your miracles, wonders and salvation.
We are reminded that this Festival of Lights should evoke both praise and thanksgiving as we remember that miraculous victory of the Maccabees. Not only was political freedom won, but our holy Temple was reclaimed and restored. These lights have much to teach us.
Light reveals.
When we search for chametz at Pesach we do so by the light of a candle, so as not to miss even the tiniest bit. The candlelight reveals what would otherwise be passed unnoticed. On Hanukkah the light in the Temple miraculously burned for eight days. This was not simply a physical light enabling the priests to perform their everyday tasks. This was the Sacred Light that was to be kept burning at all times. Its revelation was not for the physical eyes but for the eyes of the soul. As we study Torah we experience the same spiritual revelation. We discover and learn new truths and realities that will transform ourselves and our world.
Light empowers.
Wherever there is light, there is a source of power. When the power of light is harnessed, it can be used to transform our environment. Solar power, for example, is used in many applications from the simplest toy to the International Space Station. Through His mitzvot G-d empowers us to transform ourselves, our families, our communities and ultimately our world. Every mitzvah brings holiness into the world. We acknowledge this great truth when we pray to Hashem "Who makes us holy through his commandments."
Light illuminates.
Light dispels darkness. The ordinary lights we use in our homes eliminate the physical darkness that limits us. The Sacred Light overcomes the spiritual darkness that limits mankind's ability to live as the Creator, blessed be He, intends. We place our menorahs near a window so that the light is sent out to others. As each family performs this mitzvah the Light is increased. Our neighbors and strangers look upon that Light and perhaps are brought just a little closer to it. Every mitzvah ultimately fulfills the purpose for which G-d commanded it.
Increase the Light.
As you light the Hanukkah candles this year, take time to observe them carefully as they glow. Each night we add another candle, thus increasing the Light that goes forth into our lives. Let us praise and thank G-d for the miracles and wonders wrought by the Divine Light - in those days and in ours. Let us renew ourselves to live lives enlightened by Torah and mitzvot and thus increase the Light that will one day illuminate the entire world. May it be soon and in our time!
Hag Hanukkah sameach!
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