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Menorah Sheds Light on Education

by Rabbi Naftali Silberberg

  

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Rabbi Shmuel of Lubavitch1 famously said, “One must listen to the Chanukah candles.” Gazing at the beautiful candles isn’t sufficient; one must also pay attention to the lessons they are imparting.

The soft glow of the candles lends added radiance and luster to the kaleidoscope of colors which it touches. The walls, the furniture, and even the dispositions of the people who are within its reach, are all enhanced by the Chanukah candles. Similarly, the lessons of the Menorah affect all aspects of life—the more we listen to the flickering flames, the more areas of our life are positively affected.

The following are some of the lessons the candles have taught me:

1. The word “Chanukah” shares the same root as the Hebrew word “chinuch,” education. The Greeks worked tirelessly to cause the Jews to forsake and forget the Torah. When they were defeated, it was necessary to start reeducating the population at large, and specifically the children. One need not search far to uncover the link between Chanukah and education—a more fitting metaphor for education than kindling the menorah cannot be found. There’s a popular axiom: “Children should be seen, not heard.” It’s evident that this phrase wasn’t coined by an educator. Our children are our candles to whom we must listen. It is impossible to inspire a child without listening very closely to what he or she is saying— explicitly as well as implicitly.

A flame must be lit by using another flame. In order to educate a generation which is excited and passionate about Judaism, the educators must exude those same qualities
2. Every educator – this includes parents as well as those who choose the sacred task of education to be their lifelong calling – is entrusted with beautiful candles made of the purest oils. The educator has two options: he or she can endeavor to safeguard the candles, protecting them against all harmful influences by keeping them safely ensconced in their carton; or he can kindle the precious candles, enflaming them with warmth and passion for their heritage—clearly, the choice of the consummate educator.

3. A flame must be lit by using another flame. In order to educate a generation which is excited and passionate about Judaism, the educators must exude those same qualities. Children intuitively pay more attention to our actions than our words. We must rejuvenate our excitement about Judaism. We must pray with fervor and do mitzvahs with zeal. Do it for the children. Hackneyed and stale Judaism just won’t ignite a fire in our children’s hearts.

4. The menorah is proudly displayed on our windowsill; we do not attempt to conceal the pride we feel with regards to our glorious heritage. Similarly, it is our duty to raise a generation of “living menorahs,” Jews who are proud of their Judaism and are not ashamed to behave as Jews—even when walking on the street, even in the workplace. Children who are raised with these values will certainly live up to their G-d-given designation, and be an unabashed “light unto the nations.” This army of light will undoubtedly chase away the darkness of exile and will proudly witness the kindling of the menorah in the newly dedicated Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

Footnotes

  • 1. Rabbi Shmuel Schneerson, 4th Rebbe in the Chabad Dynasty, 1834-1882.

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Torah
Torah is G–d’s teaching to man. In general terms, we refer to the Five Books of Moses as “The Torah.” But in truth, all Jewish beliefs and laws are part of the Torah.
Chanukah
An eight day mid-winter holiday marking: 1) The miraculous defeat of the mighty Syrian-Greek armies by the undermanned Maccabis in the year 140 BCE. 2) Upon their victory, the oil in the Menorah, sufficient fuel for one night only, burned for eight days and nights.
Menorah
Candelabra. Usually a reference to the nine-branched candelabra kindled on the holiday of Chanukah.
Jerusalem
Established by King David to be the eternal capital of Israel. Both Temples were built there, and the third Temple will be situated there when the Messiah comes.
Temple
1. Usually a reference to the Holy Temple which was/will be situated in Jerusalem. 1st Temple was built in 825 BCE and was destroyed in 423 BCE. The 2nd Temple was built in 350 BCE and was destroyed in 70 CE. The 3rd Temple will be built by the Messiah. 2. A synagogue.
Lubavitch
Also known as “Chabad,” Lubavitch is the name of a Chassidic Group founded in the 1770s. “Lubavitch” is the name of the Belarusian city where four of the Chabad Rebbes (leaders) were based. Today, the movement is based in Brooklyn, New York, with branches worldwide. Two of the most fundamental teachings of Chabad are the intellectual pursuit of understanding the divine and the willingness to help every Jew who has a spiritual or material need.
G-d
It is forbidden to erase or deface the name of G-d. It is therefore customary to insert a dash in middle of G-d's name, allowing us to erase or discard the paper it is written on if necessary.