You Don’t Have To Be Jewish (But You Can Eat Latkes)

Chanukah begins Tuesday night. It is a celebration of many miracles, from the victory of a small band of men fighting for their religious freedom against a very large and well equipped army to a small amount of oil lasting for eight days. The miracle of the oil represents the victory of light over darkness. At nighttime, Jews place their lit Menorahs in doorways or windows to bring light to the dark street and to all who see it. On the Menorah is a head candle called the Shamash which is used to light all the other candles. A candle lights other candles without losing any of its own light. Each of us can be like the Shamash and bring light to all whose lives we come into contact with. We differ from the candle in that when we light others we actually shine brighter. We all have that power through acts of goodness, kindness, and charity.

“Light vanquishes the darkness.” – Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, The Rebbe

“From one burning candle many candles are lit, yet its own light is not diminished.” – Numbers 11:17