We need to move forward in life: the profound message that Hanukkah candles send us

June Green

December 3, 2021

Photo:

Mendy Hechtman/Flash90

People aspire to move forward in life. To move from a rented apartment to a home they own. To move from a small apartment to a more spacious house. To buy a newer car. To change jobs to a more challenging and rewarding role.

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In contrast, in the spiritual realm, there are those who tend to get stuck in one place. The years pass and they are still in the same place. The same approach to prayer, to studying Torah, to observing the commandments. The same level of strictness in matters of kosher. The same behavior between one person and another. Those who were cynical and bitter remain so. Those who like to sting and tease those around them continue to do so. A decade passes and another decade passes and these people have not advanced a millimeter.

Another step forward

The truth is that things should have been the other way around. In the material realm, it is not a great disaster to stay in one place. We know great people who lived their entire lives in a small apartment. Even a used car can get you to where you want to be. And you don't have to replace the kitchen just because the neighbor did. Material 'progress' is not really progress in life. Our sages have already stated: "Who is rich? He who is happy in his lot.".

In contrast, in the spiritual life, progress is a vital necessity. Here, one must not be 'happy with one's lot.' One must strive to transcend, to improve, to add, to correct. This is the great challenge of life, and here constant progress is required. Getting stuck in one place is a recipe for stagnation and spiritual degeneration, which will inevitably bring decline and loss of joy and enthusiasm.

The Chanukah candles teach us how important it is to add to the light. Indeed, on the first day we lit one candle and fulfilled the mitzvah perfectly. But on the second day we can no longer remain at the same level we were yesterday, and we are required to move forward – to light another candle. On the third day, even two candles are no longer enough, and we need to take another step forward and increase the light with a third candle.

There is a profound message here for all of our lives. Not to rest on our laurels. Not to stay in our comfort zone, even if it is good. We should always strive for further progress. A Hasidic proverb states: "And because good is good, isn't better better?" The better our spiritual state was yesterday, the better we must advance to a higher spiritual level today.

Not in revolutions

At the same time, the candles teach us that true progress is not made in revolutions and dramatic leaps. Although there are situations in which a person is required to make a sharp transition from one state to another, these are exceptions. The normal path of progress is – step by step. Another candle and another candle. Another good decision. Another Torah lesson. Another mitzvah compilation. Another detail in behavior that is improved.

The Chanukah candles illustrate how gradual progress ultimately turns into a great light. We started with one candle, and on the eighth day we already have eight candles shining brightly. The power of one more small act and one more good decision should not be underestimated. The main thing is that the face is forward and that the person constantly strives to move forward. After a while, we will see how much these small candles have catapulted us forward.

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