Living Torah Archives

Scenes from a “Chanukah Live” celebration which was telecast simultaneously all over the world.

Chanukah reminds every Jew that it is G-d’s eternal mandate to carry the torch of His “Mitzvah-candle and Torah-light.” With most Mitzvos, the “candle” and “light” are not physically visible. But with the Chanukah candles we see how fulfilling the Mitzvah creates actual physical light that illuminates all one’s surroundings. More

Chanukah reminds every Jew that it is G-d’s eternal mandate to carry the torch of His “Mitzvah-candle and Torah-light.” With most Mitzvos, the “candle” and “light” are not physically visible. But with the Chanukah candles we see how fulfilling the Mitzvah creates actual physical light that illuminates all one’s surroundings.

Each day of Chanukah we light fresh new candles, for every Mitzvah requires fresh and new intensity. Each day has a new fire, illustrating the ever-intensifying fire of “G-d’s candle” – the Jewish soul.

According to Jewish Law, the Chanukah candles must illuminate not only the inside of the Jewish home, but also the courtyard and the street. And when the entire street is illuminated – even now, in exile – it will bring about the true and complete Redemption, when we will literally “light the candles in Your holy courtyard” – in the courtyard of the Holy Temple.

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On Chanukah, Jewish children receive Chanukah Gelt. The charity given by children has special significance because they don’t make money of their own; they are limited to what their parents give them. Nevertheless, Jewish children eagerly open their pockets to those in need, and increase the amount they give, every single day. More

Chanukah Live 5751 – 1990

On Chanukah, Jewish children receive Chanukah Gelt. The charity given by children has special significance because they don’t make money of their own; they are limited to what their parents give them. Nevertheless, Jewish children eagerly open their pockets to those in need, and increase the amount they give, every single day.

On Chanukah, Jewish children increase in spiritual light, as well. Each day, they kindle an additional candle in the Menorah “by the doors of their homes,” inspiring their neighbors to join in illuminating the world.

Now, a Jew anywhere in the world can view the Menorah lighting on TV; even a Jewish family in a remote corner of the globe can share in the joy of Chanukah. But as long as there remains one Jewish home where the Chanukah message must still reach, every Jew throughout the world must become a teacher, and personally reach out to their Jewish brothers and sisters.

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