The story of Hanukkah carries a universal message that resonates far beyond its historical context. More than 2100 years ago, a small group of Jews, led by the Maccabees, achieved an improbable victory against the mighty Seleucid Empire. This triumph was not merely a military feat but a spiritual one, symbolizing the endurance of faith and the power of light over darkness.
The rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem and the rekindling of the Menorah stand as powerful symbols of renewal and hope. The Hanukkah lights, kindled over eight nights, serve as a beacon of remembrance and a call to action in our own times. They remind us that even in the face of overwhelming odds, the human spirit, fortified by faith and conviction, can overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.
This message of Hanukkah finds a profound echo in another significant moment of “lighting” in the Hebrew Bible: the kindling of the Menorah in the Tabernacle. In the book of Exodus, we read:
This commandment, given to Moses for the construction and maintenance of the Tabernacle, carries deep parallels with the Hanukkah story and its enduring lessons.
The continuous light of the Menorah in the Tabernacle, like the Hanukkah lights, symbolizes the constant presence of the Divine and the unceasing spiritual work required of humanity. Just as the priests were commanded to keep the Menorah lit perpetually, we too are called to maintain the light of faith, wisdom, and kindness in our lives and communities.
The oil used for the Menorah had to be “pure oil olive beaten for the light.” This specificity teaches us that our efforts to bring light into the world must come from a place of purity and authenticity. It’s not enough to simply go through the motions; putting a coin into a charity box, holding the door for someone else – while feeling resentful. Rather, our actions must stem from genuine conviction and a sincere desire to illuminate the darkness around us.
Moreover, the process of creating this oil – beating the olives – reminds us that bringing light often requires effort and even struggle. The Maccabees faced immense challenges in their fight for religious freedom, just as we often face obstacles in our pursuit of righteousness and truth. Yet, it is often through these challenges that we produce the purest light.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (1902-1994), was the seventh and last Rebbe of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, a prominent Hasidic dynasty within Orthodox Judaism known for its outreach and influence on Jewish life worldwide.
In his letter to his congregation, he emphasized that “illumination begins at home, within oneself and one’s family.” This concept aligns beautifully with the placement of the Menorah in the Tabernacle – at the heart of the Israelites’ spiritual center. It teaches us that our efforts to bring light to the world must start with self-reflection and the cultivation of our own spiritual lives.
However, as the Rebbe notes, the light must not stop at home. The Hanukkah lights are meant to illuminate the “outside,” symbolizing our responsibility to extend our positive influence beyond our immediate surroundings. Similarly, while the Menorah stood within the Tabernacle, its light was a constant reminder of God’s presence for all the Israelites, serving as a source of guidance and inspiration for the entire community.
In our modern context, this dual aspect of internal and external illumination takes on new significance. We live in an era where darkness often seems prevalent – in the form of hatred, injustice, and moral confusion. The message of Hanukkah and the eternal light of the Tabernacle remind us that we have the power and the responsibility to combat this darkness.
On a personal level, this means cultivating our own spiritual and ethical lives, ensuring that we are sources of light in our immediate circles. It involves continuous learning, self-improvement, and the practice of compassion and kindness in our daily interactions.
On a broader scale, it calls us to be active participants in the betterment of our societies. This might involve standing up against injustice, supporting those in need, or working to promote understanding and harmony among diverse groups. Like the Maccabees, we are called to be courageous in the face of adversity, standing firm in our values even when it is difficult to do so.
In his letter, the Rebbe referred to the United States as a nation “united under G‑d and generously blessed by God with material as well as spiritual riches” which serves as a reminder of the unique position and responsibility of influential nations. Just as the ancient Israelites were called to be a “light unto the nations,” countries blessed with abundance and freedom have a special duty to promote forces of light both domestically and internationally.
As we light the Hanukkah candles each year, or as we reflect on the eternal light of the Tabernacle, we are reminded of the ongoing nature of this mission. The struggle between light and darkness is not a one-time event but a continuous process. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities to bring more light into the world.
