This blessing can be found on page 242 of Siddur Sim Shalom.

This bracha is recited prior to lighting the candles of the Hanukah menorah. The Shamash, the helper candle is lit and then the bracha is recited. What is unique about this candle lighting is the restriction that the candles light cannot be used for anything. We are not permitted to use it for light by which to read or to start another fire. That is truly the reason for the Shamash.

In this season of the year, the days seem to be shorter. The sun comes up around 6:30 in the morning and already begins its retreat by around 4:15 in the afternoon. The number of daylight hours certainly decreases at this time of the year. And it is precisely that diminished sun light that adds to a sense of melancholy in our lives. Coupled with the cold weather and the necessity to bundle up when going outside, life during winter is seemingly more difficult.

Therefore, it is no coincidence that during this season we have a holiday that focuses on the light. And not the decrease of light but the increase. Clearly, on e of the great miracles of the Hanukah story is the finding of the cruise of oil that only had enough oil to light the Menorah for one day and it lasted for eight. You can imagine the founders lit that which they found and watched as it didn't go out. Much like the burning bush that was not consumed.

Therefore, it would only make sense to light all eight candles and then each night decrease the number of candles that were lit. That would be a better re-enactment than the process we employ today of lighting one new candle a night. In fact, the rabbis have that same discussion and ultimately resolve to our custom of adding a candle each successive night.

The reason is we ought to continue to grow in our commitment rather than distance ourselves. Just like a candle can light other flames and nothing is lost from the source, so too is true of our commitment to Judaism as it relates to fellow Jews.

Essentially Hanukah is a story about commitment to or people. Yes there was a fight for survival against forces that sought our destruction, but Hanukah is equally about the fight against assimilation that also threatens our survival. Therefore, we must take the symbol of the candle seriously and spread the warmth of our tradition to others.

Candles are one of the great and central symbols of our people. We light them to bring in Shabbat and we light them as a memorial. They remind us of the fragility of life, and how a flame can be easily extinguished - but when used properly can bring light into our lives. May the lights of the Hanukah menorah help us reconnect with each other and our sacred values as we simply enjoy watching the lights together.

Copyright © 2001 Rabbi Yohanan Stein. All rights reserved. 

Contact Information