Chanukah 5770/2009 - Jewish Infertility

Chizuk
"To Light In Delight"
SHAAREI TIKVAH/ CHANUKAH 2009
It is Erev Chanuka. I have just taken out the silver
menorah and the fragile glass box that will protect it
from wind and rain when it stands lit outside on the
window ledge. A bottle of olive oil, the small glass oil
cups, some matches, tapers and other Chanuka
accessories lie scattered around. The silver polish has
done its job well, and the beautiful menorah with its
delicate little jug glisten and sparkle. Perhaps it’s a strange
custom, that has no real origins, but just as my husband
prepares the oil and wicks for the Shabbos lights that I
kindle, I prepare the oil and wicks for the menorah that
he lights.
Chanuka always conjures up warm memories. While I
roll the wicks between my fingers, I fondly recall the
menorahs of my father and brothers from years ago, and
the songs we sang then. I can still savor the taste of the
delicious oily foods and treats that my mother so lovingly
prepared for us. I cherish the memories of those Chanuka
evenings, the originals games we played together, and the
quality family time we enjoyed and spent together. As we
sat clustered together on those long, cold dark, winter
nights, we felt only the warmth of family unity. All
darkness was dispelled as we watched the flames flicker
and glow.
Now as I have only one menorah to prepare, I remind
myself that the mitzvah is אחד איש וביתו ‏.נר One
menorah, even one light, per household is adequate, and
anything more is hiddur mitzvah, an embellishment.
With just our one lone menorah it seems more difficult
to duplicate that love, warmth and family unity, but the
light he will kindle tonight will assure us and
demonstrate that it is possible. There is an unusual
quality to light. No matter what the volume of darkness
is in proportion to the light, even one small flame has the
power to eliminate darkness and illuminate a large area
‏.מעט מן האור דוחה הרבה מן החושך
I love Chanuka, I love this message and all the other
lessons that Chanuka imparts. I love the brachos that
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