By RABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ
The story of Hanukka is significant in Jewish history.A small group of Jews rose up against a foreign ruler who had been forcing idolatrous beliefs and customs on the Jewish people in the Land of Israel.A handful of Jews go to war – seemingly a lost cause – in order to stand up for their spiritual principles.The peak of their wondrous victory was the purification of the Temple in Jerusalem, getting rid of the pagan symbols the defeated Greeks had left behind. This victory was expressed by the lighting of the menorah in the Temple, when, in addition to the miracle of the military victory, another miracle occurred and a small amount of oil sufficed to light the menorah for eight days.In commemoration of this miracle, we celebrate eight days of Hanukka by lighting candles every evening. It is interesting to examine this mitzva of Hanukka candlelighting that takes place amid a family-based ceremony that connects the young generation with Jewish traditions and principles.It is customary in most Jewish communities to light the candles at the entrance of the home or in the window so they will shine outward. The reason for this is that the candlelighting is meant to publicize the miracle. This is a unique detail unknown in other commandments.Judaism is not a missionary religion. On the contrary, Jewish law dictates that when a person wants to convert to Judaism, we must explain to him that even if he does not become Jewish, he can be a moral and good person by keeping the seven commandments of Noah, which include moral codes for all people. Judaism does not embark on publicity campaigns or publicize specific commandments.But with Hanukka candlelighting, we turn outward, toward the person walking past on the street, and we show him the twinkling light of the candles in the dark. This is because the message of the Hanukka candles is universal. It conveys faithfulness to principles and values, a message of connection to a tradition that is thousands of years old, which tenaciously clings to its uniqueness and high caliber.However, this is not a message of defiance. The Hanukka candles are small and do not impose themselves on the darkness of the street. This is a sign wishing to remind everyone that even in darkness, we can make light; this is a small light that wishes to remind us that in every culture, as modern and innovative as it may be, we must never disconnect the link with the past from the amazing qualities bequeathed to us by spiritual traditions.Furthermore, Hanukka candles are lit gradually: one on the first night, two on the second, and so forth, until we light eight on the eighth night. This manner of lighting conveys yet another message: No matter how much light you created for yourself or others today, tomorrow you can create even more. Even if last night’s light was small or weak, today you can take another step and create more light in the world with another candle.We don’t change the world with bonfires or torches but with one candle, and then another, a bit of light and then more light, and that way we can illuminate the darkness.The writer is rabbi of the Western Wall and holy sites.
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