While welcoming Chanukah by lighting the menorah, and Shabbat and Rosh Chodesh Tevet by lighting Shabbat candles this afternoon, take a moment to appreciate the special opportunity we have been given to celebrate our wonderful Jewish heritage.

There is great significance in lighting the Chanukah menorah facing a public area to publicize the miracle. Yet we should also publicize the miracle of Jewish spiritual survival by celebrating both Chanukah and Shabbat and by lighting the proverbial flame of Torah inside our homes.

To learn more, read this enlightening analysis entitled “What is Chanukah Really About?” from Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald’s Torah message for Mikeitz-Chanukah 5782-2021. Out of respect for the Shabbat, please consider printing it on Friday afternoon if you plan to read it on Shabbat.