The Hanukkah and Shabbat lights and Lessons for Today

The lighting of candles, or oil, plays a central role in Jewish life. Shabbat and festivals commence with the lighting of candles and Shabbat concludes with the lighting of a candle, we light candles to commemorate our loved ones, and we mark Hanukkah with the lighting of candles in ascending order from the first to the eighth night. Since at least one of the eight days of Hanukkah falls on Shabbat, and we have to, then, light two sets of candles, I would like to explain the difference between them and see what lessons we may learn that are relevant to our lives today.

First, while the lighting of candles on Shabbat ushers in the day that is then marked by many additional rituals, rules and regulations, the lighting of candles is the sole ritual of the Hanukkah holiday. Second, we light Shabbat candles near the table where the meal is served, but we should ideally light the Hanukkah candles outside the door of the house that faces the street, or at least by a window facing the public view. Third, according to Jewish law, we may not light the Shabbat candles after sunset, but we may light Hanukkah candles at any point during the night. Fourth, the light of the Shabbat candles is ours to enjoy but we are not supposed to derive benefit from the light of the Hanukkah candles. Finally, while women traditionally assume responsibility for the lighting of Shabbat candles, all members of the household are encouraged to light Hanukkah candles. What is the reason for these differences?

The answer has to do with the purpose of the lighting of candles on each occasion. The primary purpose of the Shabbat candles is to provide light for the home and for all those participating in the Shabbat meal. Thus, we place the Shabbat candles in, or near, the dining room and all may partake of their light. Since Jewish law prohibits the lighting of fire on Shabbat, observant Jews must light Shabbat candles before sunset. Since women, historically, assumed responsibility for the maintenance of the home, it is customary for women to light the Shabbat candles.

The purpose of the Hanukkah candles, however, is to publicize the miracle of the victory of the Maccabees over the Greeks and of the purification and rededication (the word “hanukkah” means “dedication”) of the Temple. In order to publicize the miracle, we place the Hanukkah candles where they are most visible to the public, and we may kindle them all night long while they are still visible to those walking in the streets. Since the Hanukkah candles are for the public eye, we may not derive benefit from them. Finally, since the miracle benefitted the entire Jewish community, all members of the household—men, women and children alike—are encouraged to light Hanukkah candles.

Put simply, the Shabbat candles are meant for the indoors and the enhancement of Jewish life at home, while the Hanukkah candles are meant for the outdoors and the enhancement of the status of the Jews in the eyes of the public.

What should we do if we only have enough money to purchase either Shabbat or Hanukkah candles but not both? In such a situation, which should we prioritize? When Rava was asked this question, he replied that Shabbat candles should “obviously” (peshita) take precedence. Why? Because of “peace in the home” (shalom bayit). (See Tractate Shabbat 23b. Jewish law is in accordance with Rava’s view.)

In other words, when confronted with the choice between maintaining peace within the home and displaying the miracle of Jewish survival to the public, the former comes first.

Over the past several months, the miracle of Israel’s military might and dominance have been on display throughout the world. After the dazzling pager and walkie-talkie attacks, after the elimination of virtually all of the Hamas and Hezbollah leaders and the destruction of most of their military capabilities, and after the fall of Assad’s regime in Syria that is largely a by-product of the above, Israel’s dominance is now seen throughout the world. Israel is, once again, regarded as a military powerhouse and most of its enemies are now reluctant to attack for fear of the consequences.

At the same time, the Israeli government is promoting a series of bills and legislation that are causing tension and division within Israeli society. In doing so, it is undermining the very “peace at home” that it so critical to our national recovery and well-being at this time.

So as we light our candles this year, let us remember this: The Shabbat candles are meant to illuminate and create peace in our homes, while the Hanukkah candles are meant to enhance our standing in the world. When push comes to shove, however, peace at home always comes first.