Basking in a brighter light

Why do we add a candle each night of Hanukkah? There is a debate in the Talmud, the ancient Jewish code of law, which asks this very question. Shouldn’t we rather, the question asks, begin with a full eight lit candles and decrease by one each night, as the oil decreased each day? The response given is that while it may make sense to reduce the number of candles each night, as Jews we are supposed to always work to increase holiness in the world, not reduce it. Therefore, we add candles, and each night, we bask in a brighter light than the night before.

Increasing in holiness is an important tenet of Hanukkah, which too often lately has become lumped in with the consumerist tendencies that take over our nation each December. But if we remember the holiness, and remember the light we participate in the work of repairing the world — tikkun olam.

As Jews, we are commanded to be a light unto the nations. And, as Rav Kook teaches, “That light must be increased continuously, and that is why the Hanukkah lights are lit in ascending order.” We are supposed to constantly work to increase light in the world, and there is no better time to recognize that as our calling than at the darkest time of the year, when daylight is at its shortest. Bringing light is especially important this year, as division, anger and fear cast a wide shadow across our nation.

Each night of this Hanukkah, as we gather with our families, our loved ones, and our communities to recall the great miracles of old and celebrate the Eternal’s many gifts to us as our ancestors did, let us all take a moment to bask in the light that shines from our varied Channukiot and let that light permeate our souls. Let that light blaze forth into the world from our homes, our houses of worship, and our innermost selves. Let it serve as a reminder that we are all bearers of the light of God, and it is our responsibility to bring light into the darkness.

May this Hanukkah season allow us all to be filled with light and become bearers of that light. May we carry it with us in every moment and share it in every encounter over these cold days and nights. May we be blessed to recognize our role and may we all work continuously to spread that light far and wide until the day that the entire world may be filled with God’s light, allowing us all to live together in peace and friendship, tranquility and harmony.

Chanukkah Sameach! Happy Hanukkah to you and your family and loved ones!