Light has a special quality. When I say 'light', I'm not just referring to the physical luminescence that spreads through a room when I flip a switch. 'Light' is so much more than that.
Depending on the particular usage, 'light' can refer to an upbeat ambience, spiritual awareness, love, cognitive insight, the sparkle in one's eye, mental clarity and joy (and probably a bunch more that I'm missing).
Light is warm and feels right. We all know what a 'dark' day or mood is like. And, instinctively, we are all drawn to the light.
Well, Chanukah is all about light. It's about bringing 'illumination', in steadily increasing increments, to a world in need - starting with my inner world. So Chanukah is a specific celebration of a specific episode, but it's also about bringing 'light' to my business dealings, my relationships and the way I operate in the privacy of my own mind. It's about doing something meaningful, being in the right mindset and operating that way; it's about kindling 'candles' throughout my day and bringing light to the world. As Scripture tells us: "For a Mitzvah is a candle and the Torah is light".
So this coming Tuesday evening, set up a Menorah, make a blessing and light a candle. Read about the holiday and its significance to our lives in 2007.
Then take a quiet moment and focus on the candle. In your mind's eye, recognize that the flickering candle is you, and the light it sheds is your effect on a dark world.
Because lighting the Menorah isn't just about the flame. It's about the light.
Rachel wrote...
This is one of the most beautiful and inspiring things I've ever read! I'm going to read this to my family this week when we gather to celebrate Hanukah. I've been trying to find a way, words to share that would make it more than just the story of a miracle - especially for the kids. This is it. Hope you don't mind, but I'm taking it word for word. Thank you! Shabbat Shalom and Happy Hanukah!
Mendy Herson wrote...
A flame has the wondrous quality of being able to ignite another flame, without diminishing itself (compare it to a sharing a cup of wine - what you share ultimately diminishes the amount YOU have).
By igniting one person's flame - consciousness - who then ignites others, who will hopefully then ignite others etc, we begin a 'pay it forward' rhythm which increases the world's illumination.
Have a great and meaningful time with your family. Light a flame, and you can't know what those flames will ignite in the coming weeks.
Happy Chanukah - and see you around.