Olive Oil and Your Essence

Chanukah, the miracle of light, celebrates the olive oil burning for eight days bringing light to the darkness. Of all the special qualities of a pretty and delicious olive, its essence is found in its oil when lit and its light is revealed. In order to release its essence, the olive must first be crushed. So too in our lives, we sometimes feel crushed – by pain and suffering, loss, struggle and disappointment – and just like the olive, it is then that our essence can be revealed. It is in those moments that you may find your essence and with it bring your light to the world.

Adapted from a teaching of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, The Rebbe

Happy Chanukah

and to all a good light