With Chanukah arriving post September 11th, in addition to the
tradition and poignant memories of the past, I will be seeking
perspective and inspiration. The theme of the holiday is light,
a theme which occupies a prominent place in Jewish thought and
practice. In addition to the Chanukah lights, Jews kindle
Sabbath candles, Yom Tov candles, and the Yahrzeit candles to
remember a departed soul. Indeed we are taught that creation of
the world began with God's pronouncement, "Let there be light."
Our sages teach us that the flame of God is the soul of man. We
are further advised that a little bit of light banishes a lot of
darkness, and that it takes only one small flame to kindle many
others. The story of Chanukah commemorates the Jews triumphant
retrieval of the Holy Temple from the Hellenists. In meeting our
ritual responsibility to light the candelabra the Jews found
that there was only enough pure oil to burn for one day. And, as
is so characteristic of our people, we did not focus on how we
would manage