Chanuka The time of our remembering

The holiday of Chanuka celebrates our Jewish Identity.  We light candles to symbolize the strengthening of our commitment to spread the light of Torah to all the world. Our National Struggle even continues on to this day.  There are those who want Israel to be like all the other nations.  They want us to have the same consumer culture, the "Give Me" culture. Others are busy with such things as "Black Friday"  Why is it the color black?  That  symbolizes the cult of darkness, while we as Jews bring more light.  Each day we add more light.  Yes, we give Chanuka gelt to our children, who are expected to use this to also help the poor and give charity, just as we adult give charity.

As we look around and see the Menorahs in every window, we feel proud to be Jews and we give light to the world.

In the ancient world, and even up to the 1800's it was very difficult to light fire.  Matches were not perfected, and the search for the proper materials to light and keep fire was very important.  If your fire went out in the oven, then either you had to get fire from someone else, or use the special stones, strike them together, and let the spark fall on paper or other kindling.  This often took a lot of time, and you had to be very practiced in this skill.  Not everyone could do this.

So, in light of this, the fact that we light candles takes on new significance.  Yes, it was difficult to light fire and to spread light.

Go out and Spread the light of the Torah!

Rachael Alice
http://lifecoachjerusalem.weebly.com/