Tonight is my favorite night of Chanukah: the first night, when two little candles shine in the dark.
We light the first, the shamash (SHA-mash) “helper” candle, then use it to light the first of the eight candles of the festival. The two are almost silly looking, standing up tall and proud in an almost-empty menorah.
Every year those little candles inspire me. They stand up bravely, lighting up the night, holding up the hope for brighter nights to come. They don’t apologize for standing almost alone.
They remind me of the people who stand up for what is right, long before it is popular to do so. They shine their light regardless of who is looking or who might laugh. They shine and shine until their wax is gone and they sputter out. And then the next night – a miracle! – we light again, and there will be THREE candles standing against the dark.
Let us all be brave as those candles of the first night: Shine your light no matter who shines with you. Stand tall and be proud to stand, no matter how dark the night.
It’s better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness.
Happy Chanukah, Rabbi! Eat something fried for me.
Will do, Lurk. What’s your favorite Hanukkah food?
As a kid, of course I loved gelt (with or without dreidel), but nowadays I’m partial to latkes.
We had a virtual menorah presiding over our table last night, and two actual candles.
Latkes just say “Chanukah,” don’t they? I wish you and your household a wonderful Chanukah!
Happy Chanukah! Thank you for your words!
Reblogged this on The RadiantMedina and the Author of Sheep.