The Candle
Why is it that most human beings have a fear of the dark and are drawn to the light? Is it simply that we dread the unknown or that dark is a cover within which the hidden...
Our first impulse when entering a dark room is to turn on the light. Naturally, it is useful to illuminate our surroundings in order to navigate properly. But if we remain in the darkness long enough without any light, our eyes will eventually adjust, albeit under a veil of haziness. Similarly, HaShem aids in spiritually brightening the darkness in our world by providing us with rituals, many involving various connections to light. By fulfilling these obligations, our lives will be brilliantly illuminated. If we choose not to abide by His directives, we will ultimately adjust to the lack of radiance in this material world. Consequentially, the soul will distance itself as the fog blanketing it grows thicker.
In Judaism, a vital source of light is provided by the candle. The candle plays a primary role in many mitzvot. Its presence creates an atmosphere of beauty and serenity. We light candles to welcome in each Shabbat and Yom Tov and we use a Havdalah candle at the conclusion of Shabbat. Unable to kindle a flame for 25 hours, the braided double candle demonstrates a separation between the Holy essence of Shabbat and the weekdays. Though we are forbidden from making use of the light given off by the Chanukah candles, they are instrumental in celebrating Chanukah, lighting an additional one each of the eight nights. The yahrtzeit candle is a significant facet of memorializing a loved one on the yearly anniversary of their passing (yahrtzeit) as well as on specific Yom Tovim with respect to yizkor, the memorial service for the deceased.
A candle is compared to the Neshama (soul). Just as a flame of a candle reaches upwards, our Neshama yearns to ascend as well. On Shabbat we receive an extra soul which is one reason it is customary to light at least two Shabbat candles; one to fulfill the mitzvah and one in honor of the extra soul. Some women traditionally add a new candle with the birth of each child.
A Chanukah Menorah holds 8 candles in a row plus the Shamash (the assistant candle) displayed separately and slightly higher than the rest. Since we do not derive any practical use from the 8 candles, the Shamash performs the respected duty of lighting their wicks. The beautifully lit Menorah glows magnificently and should be displayed in full view of a window (or set up outside) to publicize the Chanukah Miracle. Metaphorically, the Shamash could be compared to the Tzaddik who receives the Direct light, passing it on to those anxious for the honor of receiving Divine Knowledge. “Kindled” with wisdom, the enlightened will in turn spread their light to the rest of the world. As with the Chanukah Menorah, we see that every individual has a purpose and only through unity can we achieve our maximum potential. Aside from giving charity (tzedaka), learning Torah, saying Kaddish and sponsoring a Kiddush to mark the day of a loved one’s yahrtzeit, it isalsotraditional to light a candle in his or her memory. This special candle burns from sundown to sundown the next day. Through these actions we aspire to elevate his or her Neshama in the eternal world, and in so doing we nurture our own souls as well.
Picture if you will, thousands upon thousands of yahrtzeit candles flickering in the dark, laid out across a giant field. Each flame represents an individual Neshama, each one a tiny spark of the Main Source of Light, HaShem’s Shechina. This multitude of neshamas equates with the sparkle of light each miraculous star in the sky emits. Just as each star is an integral part of the universe, each person, every unique soul has an invaluable contribution to make to the world.
While a flame can be channeled for the good, if not properly guarded, it can also destroy; so too with mankind. Our Omniscient Creator promised in Bereshit: Toldot (Genesis 26:4), “I will multiply thy seed as the stars in the heavens, and will give unto thy seed all these lands”. G-d has provided us with the blueprint of life. We are like the glowing candle which feeds upon oxygen to survive, but it is up to us to fan the flames of salvation. By allowing G-d’s infinite wisdom to enter our lives the haze will no longer obscure our vision. If we strengthen our emuna, trust in our Father in Heaven, we will never lack clarity and will no longer need to grope in the dark.
9/08/2009
I never thought about candles being so important I never thought about candles the way you wrote in your article. I would like to include into your list of lighting a candle, birthday candles. Each year Hashem gives us the Bracha of celebrating our ‘birth day’ with the hope that we will use each day wisely. Although blowing out birthday candles are a secular tradition, the candles remind us that we are one year older and that our ability to do good or bad is like the flickering of the wick. Thank-you for giving me
the appreciation of a candle
9/08/2009
I never thought about candles the way you wrote in your article. I would like to include into your list of lighting a candle, birthday candles. Each year Hashem gives us the Bracha of celebrating our ‘birth day’ with the hope that we will use each day wisely. Although blowing out birthday candles are a secular tradition, the candles remind us that we are one year older and that our ability to do good or bad is like the flickering of the wick. Thank-you for giving me
the appreciation of a candle