Responding to the Torah’s passage about the Temple menorah, the Sages wonder: How can it be that in the most sacred place one must light lamps? After all, the Torah tells us that “the Glory of the Eternal filled the tabernacle [mishkan]” (Exod. 40:24, 25) — that is, the Blessed Holy One, who is the source of light and blessing, dwelt in the mishkan. Why would it be necessary to light lamps in an illuminated place? A midrash addresses this question using an analogy:
“R. Isaac related an anecdote about a house filled with lighted torches. The master of the house told his servant: ‘Light some lamps for us in the courtyard.’ ‘But the house is fully lighted,’ he replied, ‘why do you bid me to light lamps in the courtyard?’ He answered: ‘Do it so that the servants will have light.’” (Tanḥuma, Tetzavveh 4)
Even when the house is entirely illuminated, there are always hidden courtyards in need of light. Lighting the lamps transcends the bounds of the building and casts light into dark alleys.
Hanukkah 5785 — With each lamp or candle we light, we pray to be able to bring light to our brothers and sisters held captive in the darkest of places. And for our fellow Jews in distress we hope that our lights bring relief and comfort.
