Middah for the Month of Tevet: Delight
“Ki-yitron ha-or min ha hoshekh – the most preferred light comes from the darkness.” (Ecclesiastes / Kohelet 2:13)…as translated by my teacher, Rabbi Moshe Aharon Krassen: “the light from darkness is a superior light”.
Not only are we approaching the Winter Solstice, but this week is the new moon of Tevet – the time of the darkest nights of the year. Into this darkness we light our Hanukkah candles. This light is more than symbolic, we truly draw hope and optimism and a new way of seeing into our souls and from our souls into the world.
We are enjoined to place our illuminated Hanukkah menorahs in a window so that the light shines out into the street. In a posthumously published book of teachings by Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, we are reminded that what is most special about the light of these candles is that they light up the exterior with light from the inside. On Hanukkah, those interior soul-places, which are often dark and poorly-illuminated, become candles which radiate light and good will toward the outside.
Let’s send blessing for candles that are set aflame on the darkest nights of the year, and for those places inside ourselves that yearn to become sources of healing, warmth and light.
May we all experience the wonder of children as we gaze at our candles this week – and with this intention begin to contemplate the soul-trait of delight.
Rabbi SaraLeya
28 Kislev 5770
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