What Do We Do When The Chanukah Lights Go Out

The End of Hanukkah: A Reflection on the Purpose of Our Celebrations

Hanukkah is over, and we are left to ponder what comes next. The eight days of pure inspiration and light that we have just experienced have come to an end, and it's natural to wonder what lies ahead. As we reflect on the festival of Hanukkah, it's worth exploring the Talmudic debate regarding how the lighting was supposed to work. There are two opinions: one that we started with eight candles and gradually reduced to one, leaving us hanging at the apex of eight lights, only to crash and burn; another that we began with one candle and built up to eight, creating an ever-increasing light.

The Talmud in Shaba asks about the reason for celebrating Hanukkah. It tells the story of the Greeks' desecration of the temple and the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days when it should have only lasted one. However, what's peculiar is that after this miracle happened, the Jewish people didn't celebrate Hanukkah the following year or even decide to make it an annual festival. Instead, they waited a year or two to recognize the significance of these days and declare them as a permanent part of their liturgical calendar.

This delay in celebration is a powerful lesson for us all. When we experience difficult situations, we often have a tendency to wish them away, hoping that our circumstances will return to what we consider "normal" or "good." However, this approach can be misleading. The story of Chanukah teaches us to be patient and give the universe time to unfold its plan. Just as the Jewish people waited to see how their experiences would shape their understanding of Hanukkah, so too should we take the time to reflect on our own challenges.

Rabbi Hillel's interpretation of the Talmud holds that lighting from one candle ending in eight may symbolize a journey towards greater strength and light. By starting with a small flame and gradually increasing it to eight, we can find a sense of purpose and growth. This concept is not limited to Hanukkah; it applies to our lives as well. When faced with difficult situations, we would do well to adopt this mindset.

The rabbi's wisdom reminds us that not every great story has a happy ending, and not every challenging start stays that way. Instead, we should wait for the development of the situation, allowing ourselves to grow and learn from our experiences. By embracing this approach, we can transform our struggles into opportunities for growth, just as the Jewish people transformed their difficult circumstances into a celebration of hope and perseverance.

As Hanukkah comes to an end, we are left with a question: what will our Sharna, our year, be like? Will it be different from the previous one? The answer lies in how we take away the lessons and insights gained during this festive period. By reflecting on the story of Chanukah and applying its teachings to our lives, we can find a renewed sense of purpose and strength.

Shabbat shalom.