This afternoon, Jews worldwide will continue to celebrate Chanukah, with the lighting of the 6th candle of Chanukah, alongside the lighting of the Shabbat candles that are lit each and every Friday.
But
here’s an interesting question: what if we discover, at the last minute, that
we only have one candle in our home? Should we use it to light the Shabbat
candle or the Chanukah one? Interestingly, Jewish law states that, although
Chanukah candles are ‘highly important’, we should designate this single candle
as a Shabbat candle, and not a Chanukah one.
The reason is moving. In the words of Maimonides: “The Shabbat light takes
precedence because it symbolizes peace in the home. And our responsibility
toward creating peace in the confines of our home is greater than our
responsibility toward creating peace in the world.”
Maimonides’ words ring true, especially in our day and age, in which many are
so passionate to “create peace in the world,” that they forget to
“create peace in the confines of their own homes.” They will be the
first ones to fight against bigotry, sexism, and racism, and G-d bless them for
that. But are they willing to invest just as much energy toward fighting
against their bad tempers, and their animalistic inclinations? Can they exercise
self-control, not just other-control? Can they ensure that their light shines
inward, not just outward?
My dear mentor, world-renowned scholar – Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz, once advised
me, so poignantly: “Know that the greatest obstacle to me, Adin, is me. The
greatest obstacle to you, Pinny, is you. But once you learn to master yourself,
you will not have any problem in mastering the entire world.”
Indeed; Judaism has forever placed the home above the battlefield, family
harmony above military victories, and the purity of innocent children above the
might of decorated army-commanders.
Don’t get me wrong: it is important, even vital, to better our world, each in
our own way. Doing a Mitzvah for the other, not just for the self, and
involving ourselves in “Tikun Olam projects” and other forms of
social-aid initiatives are essential to the peace and success of our society.
But we also ought to remember that our light needs to shine inward, not just
outward, and that “our responsibility toward creating peace in the
confines of our home is greater than our responsibility toward creating peace
in the world.”
And so, as we continue to kindle our lights of Chanukah toward the public streets of our neighborhoods and cities, let us not forget to also illuminate our own homes too with the fire of our souls. Let us use these festive times, to connect and re-connect to the members of our household, with peace, harmony, and unconditional love.
Our unobstructed light, emanating from within, will then shine forth, bright and far, to eternity.
Joyce Mills
Thank you Rabbi, This came at a perfect time. Words of wisdom nurture my soul. Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Allouche
Hello Joy. I am so glad to hear that this week’s Shabbat article was meaningful to you. Happy Chanukah, Shabbat Shalom, and many blessings!
Stuart Wachs
Rabbi, such meaningful words and such an important reminder to me and message to everyone. Thank you for once again sharing wisdom that can truly impact our lives and our world.
Rabbi Allouche
Thank you Stuart. It is my passion to share wisdom which can make a positive impact on peoples’ lives. I appreciate you helping me to build this outreach community by commenting on my article. Please share my new website and blog with as many people as you can. Together, we can all make a difference in our world!