Translation by Yehoshua Siskin
It's happening. This evening we light the first Hanukkah candle. This evening is also the fourth anniversary of the death of Rabbi Aharon Leib Steinman, who passed away at the age of 103 after decades of teaching, leadership, and empathy for all. Here are several of his thoughts on the holiday of Hanukkah:
- "If we really want to learn something from Hanukkah, there is much to learn. Generally people do not think about it sufficiently because they are too busy. They sing a little, eat a little something, but fail to see what the holiday is teaching us: It's about the power of individuals and the power of faith."
- "Hannukah is the holiday of pirsum haness (publicizing the miracle). When someone is joyful, it is natural for him to want to share his joy with others. When someone celebrates Hanukkah, and he himself is a source of joy, he invites others to share it with him. And so we demonstrate our joy on Hanukkah."
- "Sometimes we observe a mitzvah and don't feel anything, there is no vitality to it. On Hanukkah we describe all the miracles in detail and give thanks for everything, in order that we should learn to always be grateful, to pay attention to every detail in life, to every kindness, in order that nothing will happen to us without actually feeling it."
Happy Hanukkah!
