Chanukah Day 8

Tonight we light Eight!

Seven represents earthly completeness, and the eighth brings in the transcendent that is beyond the natural which is a quality of holiness [kedusha].

The eighth is given for the absorption and internalization of what was earlier learned and expressed. This is a core process on the Mussar path. It is not enough to learn a concept; steps must be taken to internalize that concept. To put it another way, it is not enough to learn the idea intellectually; if we want to “acquire” that lesson and make it our own, additional steps are needed to cause it to take up residence in the heart as well.

And here on Chanukah too, it is not enough to have lit the candles and eaten sufganiyot. Inspiration, direction and lessons are there to be taken to heart. The Mussar approach is to ask yourself, what have I seen about myself and my world in the light of these candles this Chanukah?

The clearer you are on the answer, the more you will garner the lesson that is your personal gift from Chanukah, and the more it will light up and inspire important steps you are meant to take in your life.

The fully lit menorah on the eighth night shines with the light of hope. Even in dark times, light will shine again, as it always has. Seemingly impossible things can become reality when we do our part to bring about completeness in our earthly sphere, and pray for help from Above for that which is beyond nature. May we merit to see the light of holiness above shine below as well, to illuminate our precious world.

Yours in hope,

Alan