Happy Chanuka, today is the second day of Chanuka and tonight we light 3 candles.
The eternal lights of Chanuka have eternal messages for us:
Number one - The candles are kindled when the sun sets. When darkness falls outside it is then time to light up our homes with the holy Chanuka lights, symbolizing the eternal lights of Torah and Mitzvot. and to provide inspiration and illumination in our daily lives.
Number two - The location - that they be visible also outside further indicates that the Torah and Mitzvot not be confined within the walls of the home, but must shine forth also outside.
To eliminate the darkness -- to rid the world of ignorance, negativity, hatred and greed -- and to kindle the lights of knowledge, generosity, hope and love.
A third important lesson is that however satisfactory the observance of Torah and Mitzvot may be on one day, a Jew is expected to do better the next day, and still better the day after. There is always room for improvement in the matters of goodness and holiness, which are infinite..
To fulfill the Mitzva of candle-lighting on the first night of Chanuka is to light one candle, yet the next night of Chanuka it is required to light two candles, and when another day passes even the higher standard of the previous day is no longer adequate, and an additional light is called for, and so on, to increase the light from day to day.
With every added flame, we go from strength to strength in deepening our commitment to the values and traditions of our Jewish way of life.
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