By Rabbi Ronit Tsadok, Director of Project Kavod
Years ago, a teacher of mine shared that after lighting the Chanukah candles each night, she sits by the menorah for 30 minutes. I remember thinking how beautiful this practice is, and also how countercultural.
In this time of increasing distraction, we so quickly move from one activity to the next. Once the Chanukah candles are lit, we likely go on to whatever is next. What’s more, the Chanukah candles are explicitly not to be used for any function or purpose, which means that my teacher was simply sitting, observing, and appreciating the flames.
Ein lanu reshut lehishtamesh bahem, ela lirotam bilvad, we do not have permission to use the candles, but only to look at them.
These candles do one thing – they remind us of the miraculous. We recall how the Hasmoneans searched for oil to relight the sacred Menorah in the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple) in Jerusalem, and how the oil that should have only lasted for one day, instead lasted for eight. We recall how the small Jewish army defeated the more numerous Greeks.
We are called to witness these candles, to access the awe and gratitude that comes with an awareness of the miracles in those days and today, bayamim hahem bazman hazeh. In the Book of Proverbs, the human soul is described as the candle of the Divine. Each one of us is unique, invaluable, and created with a spark of holiness.
What would it look like to turn this teaching of Chanukah to our interactions with one another? How might we greet others, friends and strangers alike, if we remember to approach one another with wonder and appreciation, rather than trying to determine a person’s usefulness to us. What if we entered into relationships, rather than transactions, and treated others in a way befitting their spark?
This Chanukah may the act of lighting candles inspire us to build a world of greater dignity and love for all. And may our light be a source of hope and strength for those in need.
Chanukah Sameach – Happy Chanukah!
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