A Chanukah Message for All Ages

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.