This is the season of gift-giving, feasting, and light in many traditions. In these darkest of days, in these darkest of times, celebrations of light arrive to disrupt our mood. While our politics and our sense of safety and security make us feel as though we are journeying into the heart of darkness, Hanukkah–the Festival of Lights–asks us to resist the temptation to sink into despair. We light the menorah because we are told a great miracle occurred. What is the miracle? Perhaps it was that one small cruise of oil burnt in the Temple of Jerusalem for eight days instead of the expected one day. Perhaps it was because a small band of Jews defeated the mighty Seleucid empire. But just perhaps the real miracle we celebrate is the miracle of light itself and the hope that light brings.
We light an additional candle each night, ensuring that the light increases rather than diminishes. Why is light so special? Light gives of itself freely, filling all available space. It does not seek anything in return; it asks not whether you are friend or foe. It gives of itself and is not thereby diminished. Light is the perfect gift because it is for the recipient, not for the giver. It has no limits. It transforms the darkness. It is why our symbol of freedom is the statue of a woman holding a torch held high to light the way to those seeking refuge in the land of the free and the home of those brave enough to resist darkness.
It is traditional to put the menorah in the window so that those passing by can see its light. We share the light to give one another hope in the face of all that challenges us. How? In Megillah 24b, a story is told of Rabbi Jose who once was walking on a pitch-black night when he came upon a blind person walking, torch in hand. The rabbi asked the person why he carried the torch, since it clearly could be of no use to him. The person replied: As long as the torch is in my hand, people can see me and aid me. The person was also carrying the torch to bring awareness to those who think they can see, but are actually stumbling in the dark.
We light the menorah at Hanukkah, the darkest time of the year, to remind us to reach out to those who feel surrounded by darkness so that they do not feel abandoned and alone. By lighting the menorah, we ignite the flame in our souls, the sparks that cannot be extinguished, that will burn not for eight days but for eternity. We place the menorah in our windows to be visible to those passing by, just as our inner light must shine against the darkness of evil and indifference and must kindle the spirits of our fellow humans. The menorah reminds us of this miracle--that no matter how dark life may be, there remains a source of light deep inside us.
You may not see it listed among the top gifts for the holidays, but light is the greatest gift of all–the light that comes from a kind word, a helping hand, a listening ear, and a compassionate heart.
