Chanukah and the power of dedication

Abstract

In both cases, the light of the menorah in the Temple and the light of the Chanukah menorah is symbolic of the presence of God amongst Israel. It was through this primordial light that God started the process of creation. The illumination of light is a symbolic representation of God’s presence in the world. This perhaps is best illustrated by the description that the face of Moses was illuminated by a special light when he came down from Mount Sinai. ¶

In addition, divine illumination is manifested in the very process through which the human mind understands the nature of God’s universe and God’s code for human behavior. The people of Israel were chosen by God to have God’s Shechinah (presence) rest upon them. In turn, it became their obligation and responsibility to dedicate themselves to the revelation of that light to the entire world through the example which they set in ethical and moral behavior, the rejection of idolatry, and the belief in one true God. This is an awesome responsibility. When they succeed, the world becomes a better place. When they fail, the world is subject to great disaster