When there’s broad sunlight, who needs a candle?
Light shines brightest, is most appreciated, and may be the greatest achievement, when it happens in the darkness.
Shortly after the Jews left Egypt, G-d instructed them to build the Tabernacle, which would serve as a direct point of Divine/human interface.
The Torah describes how, for twelve straight days, each of the twelve tribal leaders brought an offering to dedicate the new Temple.
Aaron, the High Priest, was also given a special part in the dedication, in the form of kindling the Menorah, which would stand in the Tabernacle and spread light to the world.
Actually, G-d told Aaron that his contribution to the Tabernacle was even GREATER than those of the tribal leaders; because the Temple would eventually be destroyed and its service discontinued, but the “Menorah’s light would burn forever”, referring to the Chanukah lights.
How is that?
The Temple was the pinnacle of our spiritual experience; that’s why we pray every day for for the Temple’s restoration with the coming of Moshiach.
Yet, G-d told Aaron that his light, in the form of future Chanukah Menorahs (Chanukah wouldn’t become a Holiday until almost a thousand years after Aaron’s passing), was even GREATER than the Temple service?
Here's a thought which gives us insight for our daily lives:
The tribal leaders indeed had an amazing opportunity to dedicate the House of G-d. But their impact was predicated on the Temple; and with the Temple's destruction, their effect functionally came to an end.
Aaron's mission was to spread light, and G-d’s light transcends the limitations of time and space. Because it’s not just physical light; it’s Divine light.
So Aaron’s light would echo through history. One famous example was when the Maccabees were able to find spiritual light and strength in a time of great spiritual darkness.
In other words, the Maccabees first found light in their souls, and only afterward in the Menorah. Both 'flames' were the gift of Aaron.
Today, too, Aaron’s contribution to our lives lies in our ability to find Divine light – internal clarity and beauty – irrespective of our circumstances, in our ability to find a spark of G-dliness even in a dark hour.
So don't let this Chanukah become a distant memory. Pack away your Menorah, but resolve to retain its light.
Because Aaron's gift “burns forever”