...This, then, is one of the teachings of the Chanukah Lights; They tell us that although the situation is that of “after sunset,” particularly in the present bleakest darkness of the last days of the Exile (preceding the coming of Moshiach), a Jew must not permit himself to be overawed by the darkness outside, but must illuminate his home with the light of Torah and Mitzvos (symbolized by the Chanukah Lights), and not rest at that, but let the light shine forth “outside”, to let the world see that the light of Torah and Mitzvos irradiates the Jewish life. And since light inevitably dispels darkness, the effect is sure to be that “all the nations of the earth will see that the Name of G-d is called upon you, and they will be afraid of you” —afraid to do you any harm.
To be sure, it is also necessary to take tangible action —exemplified by kindling a physical light, using a wick and oil or the like—indeed, this is how the Mitzvah is carried out,
But this brings forth immediately the Infinite Light from Above both into the home and “outside” (into the outside world), so that the whole world sees it with such clear perception that the “hands of Esau” not only become impotent to harm the Jewish people, G-d forbid, but will be ready to aid them in every way possible.
Translating the above in terms of the personal everyday life, it means that a Jew must not permit himself to be affected by the crass materiality of the mundane world, but, on the contrary, he must become its master and make it subservient to his higher purpose, namely, serving G-d in all his affairs, per the precept, “all your actions (even in mundane affairs) should be for the sake of Heaven” and “know Him (G-d) in all your ways” —until the “darkness is transformed into light.”...
May G-d grant that everyone, man and woman, amid all our people Israel, should exemplify the teachings of the Chanukah Lights in actual practice, and this will hasten the fulfilment of the Divine prophecy that “even if darkness will cover the earth and a thick cloud the nations, but on you will shine forth G-d” and as in those days “they kindled lights in Thy holy courts” we should merit to kindle lights in the Third and Eternal Beis Hamikdosh, as it is also written, “And His Tent (the Beis Hamikdosh) will be in Shalem (Jerusalem),” with the coming of our Righteous Moshiach, may he come very soon indeed and redeem us and lead us upright to our land.
