Timeless TorahOne Candle, One Home
The small candle flickers, feebly trying to prolong its light. Tiny, frail flames so easily extinguished. How different from other festivals bursting with sumptuous meals and inspiring synagogue services.
See the family gathered around the Menorah, attracted by the candles. Where in this scene does one find the timeless message of Chanukah? Perhaps, the answer lies not only in the lights as much as it does in the group clustered around the Menorah.
“Neir Echad Ish U’veiso - One candle for a man and his family.” This law, even this terminology, is not found anywhere else. Camaraderie may bring relatives together for Rosh Hashana and Pesach. On Chanukah however, the law, not circumstance makes necessary the kindling together with kin. Why?
The people of Israel have long been chastised for their clannishness. But we take no insult from the charge; it is a closeness we exalt. Family is the fabric of our people and mishpocha one of the warmest words in our rich vocabulary.
Modern man has little use for cumbersome family ties that interfere with his busy lifestyle. Relationships now have to be free of responsibility and a new world beckons to those who courageously forsake the old. This philosophy of the Greeks was inherited from their ancestor Yefes. It was he who was the first to call out, “Every man for himself.” /
Noach hinted at this development when he said to his sons, “Spread out Yefes” versus “Dwell in the tents of Shem.” Shem, the forefather of Abraham personified family solidarity (tents) while Yefes’ offspring crumbled into warring factions of countless, autonomous city-states.
When Alexander the Great arrived at the gates of Jerusalem, he not only brought his mighty armies but his glittering philosophy. Jewish children were lured from their parents with the slogans, “The individual loses his identity within the family” and “The old must give way to the new.” It was appropriate then that a family, the Macabbees, would counter the enemy, measure for measure.
We now understand why the family clusters around, “One candle for one house.” Chanukah commemorates not only the miracle of the oil, but also the marvel of the family that lights it. Once again, Jews live in our national homeland; still the family is far from united. What sort of home breeds animosity among brothers? One which doesn’t recognize their Father! Wouldn’t this Chanukah be truly joyous if we all gathered around one candle?
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