So, is everything really dark around us? A joke tells of two Jews walking in a dark tunnel when suddenly they see a small light at the end. The optimist starts dancing and declares, "This is the light at the end of the tunnel!" But his friend, who has become accustomed to the depression of darkness, declares, "It's probably the train coming to run us over, may God forbid."
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Today, we too live in dark times. Not only the IDF soldiers, the heroes of our days, who walk in the terror tunnels of Gaza, but the entire society that has undergone a deep crisis. Yet, there is something exceptional in the darkness. What seemed so threatening and frightening just a moment ago collapses in an instant with the kindling of the light. Darkness itself is not real; it is only menacing, and that is the message of Hanukkah.
Eight full days of light stand before us, symbolizing more than anything the most important message for our reality. A message of letting go of the things that are illogical; not every problem has a logical solution, but still, God can solve them. Because if the few triumphed over the many, if a small amount of oil managed to last for eight days; if a handful of Maccabees defeated a vast army of oppression – then truly we can also prevail and anticipate the return of all the captives, the healing of the wounded, the protection of our soldiers, and the salvation of so many people who need those miracles more than ever.
Unlike the original Temple menorah, which was lit inside the sanctuary and during daylight hours, our Hanukkah candles are lit near the entrance of the house and after sunset, when it gets dark all around. This is not coincidental: Today we live in an era of constant struggle between light and darkness, between good and evil. In such cases, we need to add light and direct it outward.
But not only that. Lubavitcher rebbe, whose emissaries illuminate the darkest places physically or spiritually, emphasized that the Hanukkah menorah presents a unique model: It shows us that even when we do good and illuminate the world, we must not be satisfied with what we did yesterday. Tomorrow we need to add again. To add another light every day.
In recent years, thanks to the Rebbe's vision, thousands of Chabad emissaries in Israel and around the world go out to the streets and make sure to shine light on the darkness. Even in the darkest places, physically or spiritually. Whether it's a soldier guarding a position in Beit Hanoun, a family of terror victims, or a woman hospitalized in a medical center and worried about the diagnosis, you can rest assured that Chabad emissaries will come bring you the light of Hanukkah.
For eight days, we will light the menorah and remember: No matter how dark, the light will always triumph.
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