The Menorah at Home
The Chanuka menora is lit at home. This teaches us that Jewish strength begins at home. A Jewish
home is a dwelling place for G-d; it is a place, more than any other location, where Jewish continuity
is assured.
The Chanuka lights are kindled when the sun sets, precisely when darkness falls outside. It is then
that we are enjoined to light up our homes with the sacred Chanuka lights, symbolizing the eternal
light of Torah and mitzvot.
This teaches us that it is the study of Torah and the observance of mitzvot that help bring light to the
darkness outside. Especially in these days, when we see darkness everywhere, we must continue to
make Torah and mitzvot our guiding light so that our lives are illuminated.
Straight Away
Judaism teaches that the main thing is the deed.
Thus, the actual lighting of the Chanuka menora
comes immediately after sunset, as soon as the holiday
has commenced.
Holy Light
The candle contributes physical light, but, in the
words of the Chanuka prayer "HaNeirot Halalu" --
these lights are holy. Thus, we contribute spiritual
light to the world by performing mitzvot.
Chanukah Eternal
Our Sages have said, "Even if all the other festivals will be annulled Chanuka and Purim
will not be annulled. For Chanuka and Purim were given to Israel by the merit of their own deeds.
The Hidden Light
The holy Rabbi Pinchas of Koritz, a leading disicple of the Baal Shem
Tov, said: "Every Chanuka as the Chanuka lights are kindled, the hidden
light is revealed-the light of our righteous Moshiach."
