Hanukkah

“Every individual is a tiny light but together we are a mighty light”

כל אחד הוא אור קטן וכולנו אור איתן

One of my favorite Hanukkah song is “Banu Choshech Legaresh” - We came to drive away the darkness- In its lyrics there is a line that says: “Kol echad hu ohr katan v’kulanu hor eitan”  -  Every individual is a tiny light but together we are a mighty light –

This is true, with a multi-wicked candle versus a regular candle; while a Shabbat candle is a relatively tiny light, a Havdalah candle could be considered a medura, a bonfire, a very mighty light.

Every individual is a tiny light but together we are a mighty light. We see that in the story of Hanukkah as well as in this week’s Torah portion “Miketz” that the ohr katan, the small tiny light can make just as much of a difference. Joseph single-handedly saved the world. The tiny group of Maccabees quelled the Hellenists and the Greek-Assyrians, and ensured the survival of other Jewish way of life.

Maybe we are not a Joseph or a Judah Maccabeus, but I feel that everyone can make a difference.  Everyone has the potential to do anything, and if not, has the option to mobilize.  One can rally others and reinforce that tiny but powerful light and add wicks to become a mighty flame.

Don’t feel that you are unable to make a difference in the world. You can be a mighty flame on your own.

Shabbat Shalom, and may your Menorah candles shine strong and bright on this Festival of Lights.

Chag Urim Sameach

Morah Miriam