Dear Friends,
This is the Shabbat of Chanukah, when, besides our usual two candles which we kindle for Shabbat, we also add the lights of Chanukah. And, by Jewish law, we light the Chanukah candles prior to lighting the Shabbat candles, as sunset is upon us, so that we do not violate or impose on the sanctity of Shabbat by lighting further candles of Chanukah once the day of rest has commenced.
So, the two moments of kindling and two periods of light elide. What may we learn from this confluence, which happens but once a year on this very special Shabbat?
What else might we derive from the side-by-side, parallel experience of Chanukah and Shabbat this year?
Shabbat Shalom and Hag Urim Sameach – a Happy Festival of Chanukah,
Rabbi Douglas Kohn
This is the Shabbat of Chanukah, when, besides our usual two candles which we kindle for Shabbat, we also add the lights of Chanukah. And, by Jewish law, we light the Chanukah candles prior to lighting the Shabbat candles, as sunset is upon us, so that we do not violate or impose on the sanctity of Shabbat by lighting further candles of Chanukah once the day of rest has commenced.
So, the two moments of kindling and two periods of light elide. What may we learn from this confluence, which happens but once a year on this very special Shabbat?
- Chanukah’s lights come to inspire us to make light in periods of darkness and oppression…
- Shabbat’s lights come to remind us that every week we are blessed with a respite from the worries of the regular week…
- Chanukah’s lights begin with but one flame, and grow to eight flames, to encourage us to grow in hope, sanctity and righteousness…
- Shabbat’s flames are always two, to offer a stable, consistent foundation of hope, sanctity and righteousness, irrespective of conflicts or challenges in life…
- Chanukah’s menorah – called a Chanukiyah – has a primary base and eight branches, reaching out to spread light wider and wider…
- Shabbat’s candlesticks, commonly, two separate candleholders, stand apart, encouraging us to make the time of Shabbat different, apart, from the normality of every day…
- Chanukah’s candles usually kindle and burn over 30-45 minutes, offering a brief glimpse into what a world of justice might look like…
- Shabbat’s candles commonly burn for a few hours, allowing us enough time to experience, savor, and appreciate living in that world of perfection…
- Chanukah’s lights are lit by a unique, special kindler, the Shamash, teaching us that sometimes we need special, unique tools or instruments to make new light…
- Shabbat’s candles are lit by a common match, reminding us that the mitzvah of Shabbat is not too difficult nor does it need too much special equipment; it is readily before us…
What else might we derive from the side-by-side, parallel experience of Chanukah and Shabbat this year?
Shabbat Shalom and Hag Urim Sameach – a Happy Festival of Chanukah,
Rabbi Douglas Kohn
