Like you, I have kindled Chanukah candles these past eight nights. Like you, I have taken a moment to place an increasing number of candles in the Chanukiah-sometimes making a pattern of colors and sometimes allowing randomness to take hold. But in the main, the bringing of light into my home during the many hours of darkness has uplifted my spirits- connecting me to something much greater than myself. Connected to God, bridging my immediate family to its Ashkenazic roots, linked to Jews who fought for religious freedom 2,000 years before the brilliance of sacred American ideals emerged- I am rooted in the present by the lights of the Chanukah Menorah born out of the past.
As the darkness of evening descends I find myself looking at an empty Chanukiah, tempted to bring one additional measure of light into 5776. I miss the blessings which have become part of the routine which you and I have shared, albeit in different homes. What can I do to fill a small void left by the Menorah bereft of candles?
In my mind’s ear I hear the blessings which you and I have sung together this past week; “You are blessed God by making us holy through the kindling of the Chanukah flames.” I think of the implication of our shared behavior- becoming holy by lighting a simple flameholder. And if we can become sanctified through such behavior, all the more can each of us become sanctified by visiting sick friends, calling someone who is lonely, listening to Israeli music, donating Tzedakah, coming to a special musical Shabbatthis Friday (Dec. 18, 6:00-7:00p.m) or concert Saturday Dec. 19 at 7:00p.m. at Shul, or once per week studying some Torah. The opportunities for you and me to become holy are as limitless as all of human experience-starting with love of humanity and God at our center. With these thoughts in mind, I don’t miss the candles so much. Now I can wait a year until I light them again.
May all of your days be filled with internal light.
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