The mitzvah of lighting the menorah is beloved and cherished by the Jewish people. Whether you feel it in a tangible way or not, every neshamah yearns to connect to the spiritual energy of Chanukah, which is most easily accessed through the mitzvah of menorah.
The ohr (the unique spiritual light-energy) of Chanukah is the ohr of Hashem’s middah of Hod. Hod represents an inner alignment of recognizing and acknowledging the truth of reality; that everything is Hashem, and there is nothing else besides Hashem (Ein Od Milvado). This brings one to understand and to feel that everything he does in this world is powered by Hashem, and is only possible because of the life and abilities that Hashem breathes into him at every moment. This realization brings a wonderful and satisfying inner serenity to the neshamah, as we realize that the Infinite light of Hashem (Ohr Ein Sof) is just as present in the world now as it was before Hashem created the world, and that all of the creations that seem to conceal Hashem’s presence are really just billions of more ways through which we can uncover and reveal Hashem!
The Outer Actions
There are three “outer actions” involved in the mitzvah of menorah. 1) We prepare to light the menorah by setting up the oil and wicks or the candles. 2) We recite the blessings and light the menorah. 3) We sit and watch the menorah after lighting it. Let’s explore the pnimius of each aspect of this holy mitzvah.
The Inner Intentions
- Preparing to Light
The Tzadikim teach us that in order to access any spiritual light (ohr), you have to first yearn for it (Hishtokekus). The time you spend physically preparing your menorah is the besht time to make your spiritual preparations as well: by yearning. Think about how much you want to come closer to Hashem! Think about everything your yetzer hara throws at you to try to prevent that. It seems like the whole world is on a mission to distract us from coming close to Hashem! With these thoughts, yearn and beg of Hashem, through thoughts or words, to please allow the power of the mitzvah of menorah to unlock the gates of dveikus, to allow you to live a life of deep attachment and closeness to Him.
- Lighting the Menorah
When saying the brachos and while lighting the menorah, have the intention to ignite the fire in your neshamah. Think about — and try to feel — the presence of Hashem that is surrounding you. Acknowledge and internalize in your heart the profound, infinite truth of “Ein Od Milvado,” until you feel that everything that happens in the world and in your personal life is being directly and completely orchestrated by Hashem Himself. Remember that the same Hashem, whose Presence filled the entirety of existence before the world was created, continues to do so today, despite the fact that He created many things that try to conceal His Presence. Try to truly feel the absolute truth of Ein Od Milvado, even if just for a few moments.
- Watching the Menorah
After lighting it, look at the fire of the menorah and spend some time internalizing Ein Od Milvado more and more. Tell Hashem you are choosing a life of attachment to Him, and accept on yourself a small commitment of how you will take a step up the ladder of dveikus, to live with Hashem in another area of your life. As you gaze at the flame of the menorah, feel the fire of Hashem that is aflame within you. Gazing at this fire awakens a deep craving and yearning in the neshamah for closeness to the Ohr Ein Sof, and it has the ability to change your worldview entirely, to allow you to merit seeing Hashem in every single area of life.
This article was found in Nekuda Tova Issue 17 Special Chanukah Editions.
