Shalom All,
There’s a beautiful teaching about the lighting of the menorah during Hanukkah. It suggests that we’re truly kindling the flame of our souls—a spark that can’t be extinguished. This flame will burn eternally, not just for the eight nights of the holiday.
Michael Strassfeld, in his reference book on Jewish holidays, reminds us that we traditionally place the menorah in our windows so that others can see it. Just as our inner light must shine against the darkness of evil and indifference, kindling the spirits of our fellow humans, the menorah symbolizes the miracle that no matter how dark life may be, there’s a source of light deep within us—the light in our souls that reflects and refracts the light of the One who is all brightness.
This is why the light emanating from the menorah is holy and shouldn’t be used for mundane things. It’s not for reading, cooking, counting money, or even playing dreidel. Instead, its light is meant to illuminate our souls.
In the Talmud, Rabbi Jose shares a story with his disciples: “I was long puzzled by the verse: ‘And you shall grope at noonday as the blind gropes in darkness (Deut. 28:29).’ What difference does it make to someone who’s blind whether it’s night or day? Then, one pitch-black night, I was walking alone when I saw a blind man walking with a torch in his hands. So, I asked him, ‘Why do you carry a torch when it can’t help you see?’ He replied, ‘As long as the torch is in my hand, others can see me.’”
Hannukah teaches us to be visible. To let our inner light shine so that others can also find light.
I wish you a wonderful holiday season and a joyous Hanukkah.
Chag Orim Sameach
Rabbi Todd