WHAT THE CHANUKAH CANDLES TELL US...
...Torah and mitzvos in general are compared to "a mitzvah is a lamp and the Torah is light" (Mishlei 6:23).
There are, however, certain mitzvos, (like Shabbos candles and Chanukah candles), whose connection with the "lamp" of "mitzvah" and the "light" of "the Torah" is much more visibly obvious, which can be perceived by our human eyes; not merely something which is written in Torah, but rather, quite obvious, thus, they emphasize this connection to a greater extent.
Among the lessons that the Chanukah candles teach us in our observance of Torah and mitzvos in general:
- Each night, we add a new light. Although by lighting a single candle on the first night, a Jew is able to observe the mitzvah in its entirety, nevertheless, since additional time has passed, he is required on the second night to increase the light and add a second candle. Similarly, on each subsequent night of Chanukah, one continues to increase the lights one kindles. This teaches how each Jew should not remain satisfied with his present status in Torah and mitzvos, but must constantly strive to a higher degree.
- The Chanukah candles are kindled for eight days in succession. Although one has fulfilled the mitzvah on the previous night, one does not hesitate to fulfill it again. This teaches us how a person must constantly strive to perform mitzvos. Even if he has already carried out a mitzvah once, he should not hesitate when given the opportunity to perform it again. For example, although one has already given tzedakah several times on a particular day, if one meets a poor man in need, one should eagerly fulfill the mitzvah again. Each time one fulfills a mitzvah, one should do so eagerly as if it is the first time one has had the opportunity to do so.
- The Chanukah candles are placed, "at the entrance to one's home on the outside," indicating that they shine out to one's surrounding environment, influencing his environment, and eliminating all negative elements.
Through lighting the Chanukah candles, we bring out the quality of light that exists in all the mitzvos and thus, hasten the coming of the time when we will merit the kindling of the Menorah - and the Chanukah lights - in the Third Beis HaMikdash. Then, the entire world will be illuminated with the light of Torah.
This gathering will be concluded by giving "Chanukah gelt," [which should be particularly money], which the children can use to buy anything their heart's desire, and primarily, from this money they give tzedakah, which hastens the Geulah (Bava Basra 10a).
May we merit the building of the Beis HaMikdash immediately, and may every Jew, men, women, and children, be able to use his money to contribute to the donations of the Third Beis HaMikdash.
(Third night of Chanukah, 27 Kislev 5751)
Free translation by R' Sholom "ש" Jacobson
