"We are all here now," cried out the Eighth Chanukah Light as soon as little Chaim found himself alone with the Chanukah Lamp, his brothers and sisters having gone off to play dreidle again. "This is our last night with you, dear little boy. Soon we’ll have to bid you farewell until next year."

The Eighth Chanukah Light continued:

Do you know that it was not by accident that Chanukah occurred on the 25th of Kislev? I need hardly tell you that nothing happens by accident" The 25th day of Kislev first became important more than a thousand years before the "Miracle of Chanukah." It was on that day that the building of the Mishkan in the desert was completed-barely nine months after the children of Israel had been liberated from Egypt. At that time, however, G‑d postponed the dedication of the Mishkan until the first of Nissan. "G‑d does not withhold the reward of any creature," our Sages say. So G‑d promised the 25th of Kislev that it would have its reward. When King Solomon concluded building the Holy Temple in the year 2935, the dedication took place on Succot, and the 25th of Kislev again had to bide time. The Second Temple was built and dedicated, but again the 25th of Kislev was left out. Finally, the reward came when Yehuda Maccabee dedicated the Temple after it had been defiled by the wicked Antiochus, and the 25th of Kislev became an anniversary never to be forgotten.

"Trust G‑d to grant adequate reward as surely as He punishes for wrongdoing."

After a little pause, the Chanukah Light continued:

"Over the years we have often had a very difficult task. Our people have suffered untold misery and pain, have offered uncounted sacrifices for the sanctification of G‑d’s name. Even in the darkest of all nights for our people, we, the little Chanukah Lights, have brought a ray of hope, heralding the dawn of a new day, a day brighter than ever. Remember Rabbi Akiva and his friends visiting the ruins of the Holy Temple? Everybody wept but Akiva. "If the words of retribution with which our prophets admonished us came true, how much more so will their words of solace, their promise of survival and ultimate triumph!" Akiva said to his friends, and they wiped their tears and said, "Akiva, you have comforted us."

Yes, my boy, you may be sure that G‑d does not withhold the reward of any creature, and our people will be rewarded, amply. The words, of our Prophet Isaiah will surely be fulfilled - we shall be "the light of the nations" and by our light the nations of the world will live in peace and happiness. For these are his words: "When darkness will cover the earth, and gross darkness the peoples-then G‑d will shine upon you, and His glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall walk by your light, and kings by the brightness of your rising" (Isaiah 60:2,3).


"Well, little boy," all the Lights said in a chorus, "we hope you enjoyed our stories and talks. For more than 2000 years, we, tiny little Chanukah Lights, have come and gone, year after year, bringing with us tales of bravery and self-sacrifice in the cause of the Torah. You wouldn’t think we are so old, would you? But we never grow old. We are timeless, and our message is timeless. Many a light have we kindled in Jewish hearts, and Jewish homes."

"Thank you, dear Chanukah Lights," little Chaim said gratefully. "I shall always remember your wonderful stories. I wish I were like those brave Hasmoneans!"

"You might try to be..." the Chanukah Lights answered. "And now we are sorry to part with you-until next year. Happy Chanukah, dear Chaim!"

"Happy Chanukah!" Chaim replied. "I shall be eagerly looking forward to seeing you next year!"

"In rebuilt, sacred Jerusalem!" the Chanukah Lights added.

"In rebuilt, sacred Jerusalem!" Chaim repeated.