Sharing the Light of Hanukkah

As we approach the darkest part of the year, Hanukkah arrives to remind us of the enduring power of light. This year, many of us feel a profound darkness — a weight of uncertainty, sorrow or isolation. Yet, the simple act of lighting the Chanukiah holds even greater significance, serving as a beacon of hope and resilience in troubled times.

We light the Chanukiah for many reasons. Each flame illuminates our personal lives, our homes, dispelling internal shadows and igniting our spirits. Placing the menorah in our windows extends that light outward, offering warmth and hope to our communities and the world beyond. It is a silent yet powerful gesture that speaks of unity, compassion and shared humanity. The mitzvah itself is called pirsum ha’ness, referring to the public proclamation of the miraculous events.

By positioning the Chanukiah in our windows, we allow its light to shine both inward and outward. This dual illumination symbolizes the inseparable connection between our personal lives and the broader community. The light isn’t diminished by sharing; instead, it grows stronger. We need not fear that our light will fade by shining it outward; its true purpose is fulfilled when it reaches beyond ourselves, touching the lives of others.

An integral part of this ritual is the blessings we recite as we light the candles. Unlike Shabbat, where we light the candles, cover our eyes and then uncover them to usher in sacred time, Hanukkah’s blessings are different. We bless the very act of adding such incredible light into the world. We acknowledge and sanctify our role in dispelling darkness, not just in our own lives and communities, but in the world as a whole. This blessing declares that we remember and act upon our shared history of fighting off darkness, transforming it into light through our deeds.

The motif of light is intricately intertwined into our heritage. According to the kabbalists, when the Divine attempted to contain infinite light within the holy vessels during the creation of the world, the vessels shattered — scattering sparks of that divine light throughout the universe, into every living creature. These sparks represent fragments of holiness residing in all things, waiting to be discovered and nurtured, waiting to reconnect with other divine light. Our role is to seek out these sparks, to gather and amplify them through acts of kindness, justice and love.

This narrative teaches us that light is not a scarce resource; it is abundant and ever-present, ready to be shared and multiplied. Each act of sharing only increases its brilliance. We are encouraged to share freely, knowing that in doing so, we contribute to a collective illumination that dispels darkness in all its forms.

Displaying the Chanukiah openly is a testament to the courage of sharing our traditions and values with a world often surrounded by darkness. It’s an act of faith and defiance against despair. As Rabbi Schneur Zalman z”l wisely said, “A little bit of light dispels a lot of darkness.” This insight reminds us that even the smallest acts of kindness and illumination can have a significant impact on the world around us.

Hanukkah becomes a powerful reminder of the infinite capacity we have to bring light into the world. As we light the menorah, each candle adding to the glow, we symbolize the limitless potential of our inner light to impact others. We share what we can — our compassion, our support, our love — without hesitation or reservation.

By embracing the notion that light is infinite, we shift from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance. We understand that by giving of ourselves, we enrich our own lives and the lives of those around us. Our individual lights combine to create a force more powerful than any single flame, capable of overcoming even the deepest darkness.

This manifests in our daily actions and interactions. We reach out to those who are struggling, offer support to those who feel alone, and stand up for what is just and true. We remember those who are still held hostage in darkness, sending them light through our thoughts, prayers and advocacy. In doing so, we acknowledge that our shared humanity binds us together and that our collective light can pave the way toward peace and reconciliation.

This year, our thoughts turn especially to those who are still enveloped in darkness. We hold those still held hostage in Gaza, for well over a year. Those whose absence leaves an irreplaceable void in families and our worldwide Jewish community. With every candle we light, we send forth prayers and rays of hope for their safe return. Their horrific experience is a poignant reminder of the obstacles to peace and the urgent need for understanding and reconciliation in our world.

Hanukkah is a celebration of reclaiming joy and affirming our truths. It commemorates the triumph of light over darkness, of perseverance over despair. By sharing light within our homes and projecting it outward, we honor our traditions and extend solace to those who cannot see any light at all.

Understanding that sharing light emanates from the soul underscores our collective responsibility to heal and brighten the world. Each candle lit is a commitment to spread goodness and to recognize the inherent light within every individual. 

As we observe Hanukkah this year, let us internalize this message. Recognize that we have an inexhaustible source of light within us, ready to be shared. Commit to acts that kindle this light in others, remembering that together, our shared illumination can bring warmth, hope and healing to a world in need.

May the flames of the menorah inspire us to shine without fear, illuminating both our homes and the world beyond, fostering a spirit of hope and unity. Let us be bearers of light, embracing this gift and sharing it generously with all who dwell in darkness. After all, as Rabbi Zalman z”l taught us, even a little bit of light can dispel a great deal of darkness.