Dearest Chai Lifeline, Camp Simcha and Simcha Special Family,
One of the central themes of Chanukah is to give thanks for the miracles of defeating evil and retaining our lofty goals, which are constantly threatened. When the Greeks breached the outer fence of the temple, the rabbis instituted 13 places of bowing down, or kneeling before G-d at those very spots where the fence were breached. The rabbis’ point out that is very much what the theme of Chanukah is. The kabalistic sfira for Chanukah is “hod” which means splendor literally. The deeper concept of “hod” is to thank or to be “modeh”-agree- that all is from g-d. This is the battle we fight with the Greeks. The Greeks professed that man is the end all. We believe that man is great but not as great and powerful as our creator. We recognize G-d’s hand in nature as well. The rabbis instituted the bowing down or the recognition at the very spots that the Greeks breached. We bow down and realize that although we are strong and great, that power comes from G-d.
This is the publicizing of the miracle of Chanukah that we show the world. For the spiritual light that guides us in our decisions, our strength and guides our wisdom. The Menorah in the temple had a skylight above it which was narrower on the inside and wider on the outside. This signifies that we are spreading the light of our torah and Menorah throughout the world.
When we approach all that we do with “hod” of Chanukah, we approach all we do with humility. We are powerful and wise, but that’s all from G-d. When we realize this we can unite. For as the rabbis point out, the blessing we make is over just one candle, one flame. However, we actually kindle a lot of candles. What this blessing is teaching us is that in the future all lights will unite to be one light. All the paths will lead to one truth. It will be clear to the world. The way to this unity is with humility.
May the lights of Chanukah bring you joy, clarity, humility, and unity.
Ari Dembi