Don't Let the Light Go Out!

Don’t let the light go out…

It’s the chorus on the classic Peter, Paul, and Mary Chanukah song, which is turning 40 this year. David Broza gives it a contemporary spin in a new version. (Listen HERE.)

I always feel that Chanukah starts slowly but rushes to its conclusion. On the third night, it seems like we’re in a good groove. A few nights into Chanukah, we’ve had some latkes, at least one Chanukah party, and a present or two. The fourth night means Chanukah is only halfway through. Then, all of a sudden, on the fifth night, it seems like things are moving too fast. The holiday zooms to its conclusion from there.

What can we do so that, even as Chanukah ends, the lights don’t go out?

The Chasidic master Rebbe Shlomo of Karlin (1740-1792) had a personal custom to light with wax candles on Chanukah. He felt that when the wax drips and the liquid hardens, an imprint is made that lasts well beyond the eight days of Chanukah, whereas oil simply burns and nothing of it remains. Wax candles symbolize the lesson that Chanukah must make a lasting impression on the soul.

One year he was unable to acquire the wax candles, and he used oil instead. It happened that, one night, the menorah tipped over, and a small fire started that was quickly extinguished. It did, however, leave a dark burn mark on the wall. Reb Shlomo was actually pleased with this development since, once again, Chanukah had left its mark.

Chanukah must make an impression on us.

This Chanukah, there has been a lot of focus on shining and sharing the light. In times of uncertainty – whether its antisemitism or confusion or internal division, publicly lighting Chanukah lights was undertaken in all sorts of ways to illuminate the darkness. From Time Square to the Atlantic Beach Village Green to the front steps of the shul, we shared the light, publicized the miracle, and demonstrated Jewish pride.

Will the light last? It’s up to us.

The Lubavitcher Rebbe once pointed to a candle and asked a visitor what he saw? The visitor responded, “A candle.”

The Rebbe replied, “It’s not a candle. It is simply a lump of wax with a string in the middle of it… When does a lump of wax become a candle? Only when you bring a flame and ignite the wick does it become a candle.” The Rebbe continued, “The ‘wax’ is our body…and the ‘wick’ is our soul; the ‘flame’ is the fire of Torah and mitzvos. When the soul is lit up by the flame of Torah, achieving the purpose for which we are created, that’s when the person becomes a ‘candle’. This is the goal, to help every man and woman achieve the purpose for which they were created.”

Before leaving , the visitor asked, “So… has the Rebbe lit my candle?”

The Rebbe shook his head, and answered in a quiet, serious tone, “No, no…I am only able to give you the match. It is you who must light your own candle.”

How will this Chanukah leave its mark on us? Did the candles “light” us up? Which Chanukah insight will shed light on the coming months? Which gift did we give or get which will remind us to be kind, to be attentive, or to be more supportive of others?

Chanukah is ending. Did it leave its mark? Will the light shine on?