Hey everyone,
Two Sunday nights from now (Dec. 21st), the 1st candle on the Chanukah Menorah will be lit.
If Chanukah could be expressed in 3 words, I think it would be: "Light overcoming darkness." The "Festival of Lights" commemorates the tiny Maccabee army's miraculous defeat of Antiochus IV and his Greek army in 2nd-century B.C.E. They had been desecrating our holy temple, abusing our people and suppressing any form of Jewish practice. 1 cruse of pure oil was somehow found, and miraculously lasted for 8 nights, shining its light to the now free Jews.
Our sages tell us, that the miracles of Chanukah should be greatly publicized. The miracles that G-d Performed for us then, must be remembered and felt today in our times. Chabad houses around the world are arranging their annual huge menorahs to be lit at your local mall or government building. Why? To remind us that "light" can and must shine through the apparent darkness we see. When terrorists brutally murder a young dedicated Jewish couple in India, we turn this cruelty into kindness, from darkness to light. (see here: http://www.chabad.org/special/
That's our job as Jews, as G-dly souls in this world, "The soul of man is the candle of G-d." Placed to be a light in this world to shine. We jews are lamplighters. So when we light the candles this yr. and enjoy the sweet doughnuts and latkas, let's remember that this candle's light we are lighting, can and must be extended through us into every corner of the world; beginning with the corner we are found in. One more mitzvah, one more helping hand, one more smile can overturn worlds. It only takes 1 candle to light up a dark room; one kind gesture to a lonely person who feels dark inside. Light up their world! A little light expels a lot of darkness. Imagine what a lot of light can do? As lamplighters, it's been our 4,000 year job. May we merit our overdue payment with the coming of Moshiach Now!
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