A Chanukah Message from Rabbi Adam Starr

Although many people (especially children) associate Chanukah with the receiving of presents, the real message of Chanukah is to bring joy and light to others. In Talmudic times, the Chanukah menorah was placed at the doorpost outside of the home and in our times, we place it by the window. Why do we have the Chanukah lights facing the outside? Shouldn’t they be in the center of the home so that we can most enjoy them and their light in celebration? Furthermore, it is actually forbidden for us to benefit from the Chanukah light, as tradition teaches us that “we do not have permission to make any other use for them except to look at the candles.” We are not even supposed to read by these candles, nor use them to provide us with light! So then why are we lighting?

The message of the Chanukah lights is clear. The Chanukah candles take the light within our home and allow it to emanate outward to the world. The purpose of these beautiful Chanukah flames is to share light beyond ourselves. It is our responsibility to bring the light that we possess to those in the world that may be experiencing a state of darkness through illness or loneliness. When you light the Chanukah candles, reflect on how you, as an individual, as a family or as a community may be able to bring some more light to others. That, in fact, is the greatest gift of all.

Rabbi Adam Starr is the senior rabbi at Congregation Ohr HaTorah.

Get The AJT Newsletter by email and never miss our top stories Free Sign Up