Hanukah, The Festival of Lights

In the time of King Antiochus, the fate of the Jewish people seemed grim. The vastly outnumbered Maccabees were up against the world’s most sophisticated military machine. They faced opposition from within, as well. Many of their brethren were weak, complacent, and all too willing to forsake their heritage and assimilate into the Hellenistic culture. It was the proverbial “darkest hour before the dawn.” Yet, sure enough, with the dawn, came the miraculous, unprecedented victory. With G-d’s help and against all odds, The Maccabees were able to reclaim the Holy Land and rededicate the Holy Temple.

Throughout the ages, Hanukah has signified the miraculous triumph of the weak over the strong, the pure over the impure and the righteous over the wicked. Whenever the integrity of the Jewish people is under siege, no matter how dark the night, the Hanukah lights proclaim with confidence that the dawn of deliverance is near.

Miracle for Today

The lights of the Hanukah menorah are more than simply a reminder of ancient miracles—they are meant to provide inspiration and illumination in our contemporary daily lives. In fact, in a very real sense, the Hanukah miracles of old are re-enacted in our observance today. That is one reason why we say, in the second blessing recited over the Hanukah lights, “Blessed are You, who brought miracles for our ancestors—in those days, at this time.” By reflecting upon the significance of the Hanukah miracles, we can see, with ever-increasing clarity, the miraculous dimension of events in our own time.

Spreading the Light

The menorah is lit either in the doorway, or in a front window, so that it can be seen outside in the street. This teaches that it is not enough to bring light into our own private domain. We must spread the light and warmth of Torah to the outer environment as well, as far as our influence can reach.

Deepening Our Commitment

Each night of Hanukah, we add another light to the menorah, until all eight lamps shine on the eighth night. This signifies that in matters of holiness, we must always be on the increase. With every added flame, we go from strength to strength in deepening our commitment to the values and traditions of our Jewish way of life.

Illuminating the Darkness

A great rabbi once remarked that you cannot chase away darkness with a stick—you have to turn on the light. The way to eliminate darkness—to rid the world of ignorance, negativity, hatred and greed—is to kindle the lights of knowledge, generosity, hope and love.

The Hanukah menorah is lit only after nightfall. This signifies that our purpose is to illuminate the darkness of this world, until the time when the world will be filled with the knowledge of G-d. It may be difficult for us to perceive G-dliness in our everyday lives, but Hanukah reminds us, even in our darkest moments, that the light of knowledge can shine brightly, that redemption is at hand, if we will kindle just one more lamp.

The Ultimate Miracle

Today, the Hanukah lights have special relevance. Many among us despair of ever witnessing the dawn of redemption. After nearly 2,000 years, it may seem that the cold, hard realities of exile have all but erased our age-old faith in the coming of Moshiach, who will lead us toward a perfect world. As Israel’s borders are surrounded by enemies who are trying to destroy us, Hanukah reminds us that just as G-d helped us in the past, we can be sure that G-d is helping us now. G-d grants redemption in the blink of an eye. The light of G-dliness can brighten even the darkest night.

Hanukah Gelt

On Hanukah, it is traditional to give all children Hanukah gelt (money). Of course, this beautiful custom adds to the children’s happiness and festive spirit. In addition, it affords us an opportunity to give them positive reinforcement for exemplary behavior, such as diligence in their studies, and acts of charity.

The Origin of the Dreidel

The Syrians decreed that the teaching/studying of Torah was a crime punishable by death or imprisonment. But the children defiantly studied in secret; and when Syrian patrols were spotted, they would pretend to be playing an innocent game of dreidel. The dreidel is a four-sided spinning top, called a s’vivon, in Hebrew. On each side is a Hebrew letter: Nun, Gimmel, Hay, and Shin. The letters stand for the phrase Nes Gadol Hayah Sham (a great miracle happened there).

Wishing you a happy Hanukah. May this Festival of Lights bring blessings upon you and all your loved ones for happiness and health, and usher in a better world for all of humankind.

Rabbi David Laine is Director of Chabad Vocational Schools.