The power of light — a Hanukkah message

Some Jewish rituals take place at home, and are meant to be shared with the family families. Others are done in synagogue. However there is one ritual that is public, as it is intended to catch the attention of Jews and non-Jews alike: According to the Talmud, one of the most important elements of the menorahs Jews light on Hanukkah is that their light should be visible in our windows at the time when the most people will be passing our homes on the street.

The Rabbis of the Talmud emphasized this need for public display because they felt that it isn’t enough to remind ourselves about what happened 2,000 years ago — we have to publicize the miracle and tell the world.

But, what exactly are we telling them and why? In part, the message is that we Jews are still here. The Hanukkah menorah symbolizes the extraordinary resilience of the Jewish people, and stands as a warning to those who like the ancient Greeks would attempt to keep us from observing the practices of our faith. They are a public reminder that despite the efforts of our enemies to destroy us, the flame of Judaism still burns bright. Rather than being diminished by oppression, our light grows stronger from day to day.

Our Hanukkah candles convey another message as well. One that is equally important and far more universal. They are about the power of light to transform darkness. Not the darkness in our homes, but the darkness outside them. The book of proverbs teaches that “God’s candle is the human spirit.”

Every year when the days have grown short and the darkness has increased, we remind ourselves and our neighbors: We are all God’s candles. Each of us can make a difference: Where there is darkness, we can bring light. Where there is despair, we can bring hope. Where there is sadness, we can bring joy.

May the lights we kindle this Hanukkah strengthen our resolve to fight hatred and intolerance and inspire us to brighten the lives of everyone we know.

Rabbi Andrew Warmflash is the spiritual leader of the Hewlett East Rockaway Jewish Centre.