A few days ago, Nena Peltin, our new gift shop coordinator, called me over to look at the latest in Chanukah menorah designs. The world is filled with artistic expressions of such menorahs, properly referred to as a chanukiah because unlike the menorah of the Temple, which was a seven branched candelabra, a chanukiah has places for eight lights, plus a ninth for the shamas or helper candle. Jewish tradition teaches that the candles need to be on the same level, except for the shamus, but otherwise has no requirement as to the chanukiah’s appearance. Hence the diversity of chanukiah designs ranging from magnificent silver creations decorated with lions from 18th century Germany to contemporary artistic expressions like the one Nena showed me that are multicolored and can be put together like puzzle pieces. A few years ago it even became popular to use story book characters like Curious George as decorative themes for this central symbol of the festival of light.

The mitzvah for Chanukah is to light a candle each night to commemorate the miracle of the rededication of the Temple and the success of the Maccabees in renewing Jewish independence in the land of Israel. In the Talmud there was a debate as to how one should light. Rabbi Shamai’s school suggested that we start with eight lights and diminish each day, while Rabbi Hillel’s school proposed that we begin with one, and add a light each night in order to increase our sense of joy. As the days grow shorter, and the nights longer, I am glad that we follow Rabbi Hillel’s dictum.

The challenge of Chanukah, while a minor holiday in terms of its halachic (legal) requirements but significant nonetheless, is to cause us to consider how we in our short lives may add more light to existence. The Maccabees, who were fighting for religious freedom and the right to be a distinct if small people in the greater Greek empire, were not the elite amongst the Jews. No, they were a mixed multitude, many drawn from the lower classes, standing up for a Judaism they believed to be at risk of disappearing. Amazingly, they managed to rededicate the Temple, re-establish Jewish independence and bring about a great renewal of Judaism. I am not sure, when they first started, the Maccabees believed that they could make such a difference, but here we are experiencing our own renewal of Jewish life, with thriving synagogues and the artistic output of so many kinds of chanukiahs, thousands of years after the Maccabees took their stand.

Our tradition teaches that each person can make a difference, each family whatever their configuration adds light to the life of the community. Each of us has something to give, because the wonder of holiness, the light of the first creation is in us, waiting to be kindled and shine, when we help others, when we study, when we get involved, and when we stand up against oppression. This Chanukah, light your chanukiah with joy, whether it was purchased from a gallery or made with pride by your child in Religious School. Celebrate the light in each other, and know that we, who encounter you, are blessed by the special light that comes from you.

Chanukah Sameach – Happy Chanukah!

Rabbi Jonathan L. Singer