Written by Rabbi Daniel Yaakov Travis
(based on a derasha from
HaGaon Rav Moshe Sternbuch shlita,
Ravad of Yerushalayim
Leil Shabbos)
Chanukah is a special Yom Tov of Halell and hodayah. For eight days we light the menorah, commemorating the miracles that the Almighty performed at the times of the Chashmonayim. The Gemrah explains that every day we light, for each day was a separate miracle.
At first glance, it is difficult to fathom why Chanukah deserves such recognition. Ten miracles took place daily in the Beis Hamikdash, and amongst them, the ner ma'aravi of the menorah burnt miraculously. What was unique about Chanukah?
Chanukah candles represent something much deeper than the miracle of the oil. The pasuk says, "The flame of a mitzvah and the light of Torah." The lights of Chanukah represent the miraculous perpetuation of Torah despite the adverse surroundings that the Jewish people face in every generation.
Klal Yisrael is from the smallest of nations. Yet the Almighty does not look at numbers. The Jewish people are the bearers of the Torah, and this empowers us with a strength far greater than any other nation.
After the destruction that took place in Europe during WWII, many thought that the Jewish people had fallen. Sixty years latter Torah flourishes both in Eretz Yisrael and throughout the world. From the small spark of Torah that remained, the fire of Torah spread throughout he world.
Chanukah candles represent far more than the miracle that transpired during the time of the Chashmonayim. The menorah represents the perpetuation of Torah for all generations. No matter what, the light of Torah continues.
The Reform and Conservative have attempted to extinguish the flame of the Jewish people. They decided that Torah observance could not continue in the modern world, and that they must trim down mitzvah observance. The menorah testifies to the falsehood of their beliefs.
Based on this we can understand what our Sages meant when the said "Whoever is consistent (ragiil) in lighting candles will merit children who are talmidei chachmim. Rashi explains that this refers to Shabbos and Chanukah candles. Shabbos lights are kindled every week, but Chanukah is only once a year. How can one do this mitzvah on a constant basis?
"Consistency" means taking the light of the Chanukah candles and bringing it into the rest of the year. We cannot let our embarrassment from the non-Jewish world around us inhibit us in the slightest from our Torah study and observance. We must try and live up to the Almighty's grand expectations of His children, and make sure that the flame of Torah burns strong in every generation.
(HaRav Shternbuch's shiurim on the parsha are being prepared to be published as a sefer. For information about dedication opportunities contact dytravis@actcom.com.)
