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Dec. 15, 2006
Take lessons from the lights
Women are honored especially during the Chanukah festivities.
ESTHER TAUBY
The festival of Chanukah is about light. We kindle a chanukiyah
for eight nights to recall the miracle of the jar of pure olive
oil that was found in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, with only enough
oil to burn in the golden menorah for one day, but which lasted
for eight days.
Another miracle we recall was the victory of the small Jewish army
and the Maccabees against the much larger Greek army and the subsequent
rededication of the holy Temple that took place on the 25th day
of the Hebrew month of Kislev. Hence, the festival of Chanukah,
which means dedication and has in its Hebrew letters the words "dedication
on the 25th."
Delving a little deeper, we can begin to understand the beauty of
this festival, which began in Judea in 139 BCE, and its relevance
to us today. This concept is mentioned in one of the additional
prayers recited on Chanukah, the "Al Hanisim," which contains
the phrase, "In those days, in these times."
When one thinks of physical light, they might conjure up images
of vision, warmth, comfort or home. The Jewish people are referred
to in the Torah as "a light among the nations." We have
been given the task and privilege of bringing G-d's light into this
physical world. Why? Because we were the ones who stood on Mount
Sinai and declared as one that we would do and we would hear, meaning
the observance of the commandments and the transmission of the Divine
message to the world.
The commentaries explain that when G-d gave us the Torah, He first
gave it to the women. G-d knew that we would be the ones to embrace
it, teach it to our children and ensure that our husbands study
it, too. In this way, G-d could guarantee the continuation of the
Jewish people for all future generations.
As Jewish women, we bring light and warmth to our loved ones. Whether
we are married or single, mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters,
aunts or friends (or any combination of these), we all possess a
unique spiritual light that has been given to us as a precious gift
from G-d. This enables us to pass on the warmth of Judaism.
Whether it's afternoon tea for an organization, baking for a fund-raiser
at our child's school or shopping for a friend who is ill, we are
constantly doing good deeds for those in need. These acts of kindness
bring warmth and comfort to those whose lives we touch. Perhaps
without realizing it, we have a profound effect on the many people
we serve daily, Jew or gentile, without thought of reward or honor.
For generations, Jewish women have been lighting candles before
Shabbat and Jewish festivals, to usher into our homes spiritual
light, warmth, peace and tranquillity. When we cover our eyes and
recite the blessing, we connect with all Jewish women, from our
matriarchs to our great-grandmothers. We realize that we are but
a link in a long, golden chain that includes our daughters and granddaughters,
as well as all future Jewish women to come.
We are taught that the Shabbat candles are to be enjoyed inside
our homes. They remind us to bring our families inside and spend
time together. We read and pray by their light, sing and dine by
their soft glow on our Shabbat tables and play and discuss with
family, friends and guests. We benefit immensely from their presence
in our lives, if only for a few short hours, from the time they
are lit just before sunset until they melt before our eyes. This
is the lesson of the Shabbat candles.
The Chanukah candles teach us something very different. Like witnesses,
they stand tall to testify to our endurance. Their very essence
is Jewish pride. That is why we are supposed to place our menorot
on a windowsill to the outside of our homes, so passers-by can see
them. We publicize the miracles of Chanukah when we light our candles
facing to the outdoors or in larger public outdoor lightings and
gatherings. They symbolize our pride that we have withstood all
the persecutions and have survived. Throughout our history, there
have been many enemies who have wanted to destroy us (and still
do), but we are still here, strong and proud.
Our enemy in the Chanukah era was the Assyrian Greeks, who didn't
want to destroy us physically, but rather spiritually. They couldn't
tolerate the fact that we worshipped a G-d they couldn't see. We
wouldn't bow down to their idols, nor live their Hellenistic lifestyle.
That is why they forbade Torah learning, Shabbat observance and
circumcision – all fundamental commandments that show our deep
faith in and connection to our one G-d.
In fact, because Chanukah is about Jewish faith and pride, it is
especially pertinent to Jewish women – so much so that it is
forbidden for women to do any type of work while the candles are
burning, as a reward to us for the faith of the Jewish women in
Judea, at a time in our history when so many had lost their faith
in G-d altogether.
One woman, Judith, the daughter of Yochanan the high priest, is
singled out for special praise. Yehudit showed extraordinary courage
and bravery when she risked her life to kill a Greek general who
threatened the modesty of young Jewish women who were taken forcibly
to sleep with him before their weddings.
So, unlike the Shabbat candles, which we are encouraged to use for
our own benefit, the Chanukah candles are not to be used for our
benefit but for other people outside our home. Indeed, we may not
even use their light to read by. Nor may we use one candle to light
the other ones and designate a helper candle, called a "shamash"
for this purpose.
Every Jewish woman is like a shamash. Jewish women choose Chanukah
gifts for family and friends with much thought and care. We go to
schools to teach and retell the story of Chanukah, make countless
latkes and sufganiyot for parties and community events. We shop
and shlep, stand and fry and bake, while infusing everything we
do with love.
We are like the shamash candle that can kindle so many other candles
without diminishing any of its light. The more light we give to
others, the more light is reflected back to us. With our special
light, we can illuminate the entire world, one soul at a time, with
the light and warmth of Judaism. This Chanukah, as you gaze at the
refection of the flickering lights in your window and on the faces
of your loved ones, let the candles warm your soul. Maybe you, too,
will find that hidden spark shining back at you. Then, relax and
enjoy. Have a latke, play a game of dreidel and sing some Chanukah
songs. Happy Chanukah!
Esther Tauby is a Richmond teacher and freelance writer.
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