Reb Mendel Futerfas was a very wise and pious person who lived a few decades ago (Reb means Rabbi in a less formal expression). Reb Mendel was once with a group of students and he asked them, “Where is the holiest place in the world?” One student replied, “The Temple”. “No”, said Reb Mendel.
Then he asked them, “When is the holiest and most special time in the year?” A different student replied, “Probably Yom Kippur”. “No”, said Reb Mendel.
His next question was, “Who is the greatest and holiest person?” A third student replied, “Probably a Tzadik (a very pious individual)”. “No”, said Reb Mendel.
Reb Mendel then said, “The most special time in the world is now, the most special person in the world is you, and the most special place in the world is here”.
This story and concept are one of my favorite ones. There are all sorts of special moments in the past, great people in the world, and special places out there, but the most special of all is the very moment that each and every person finds themselves right now. That moment can still be transformed and can still be lit up, whereas everything else is either in the past or outside of one’s ability to change.
The Chanukah candles symbolizes this concept. They are candles waiting to be lit and when they are lit, they light up all their surroundings. Every moment is like a candle waiting to be lit.
How does one light up a moment? Every moment calls for something. In every moment there are things that are possible to do and there are things that are impossible to do. The possibilities of each moment is a call to us to take the courage and do it.
Lest one think that this is burdensome, in truth, it is one of the most pleasing things in life. To do the right thing which is required at this moment or to utilize opportunities that present themselves to us at this moment, is one of the sweetest pleasures in life. It feels great because it expresses our very own uniqueness and specialty, because it is a call to us, at this time, and in these circumstances.
It is not difficult to figure out what the call is. If a person has an opportunity to do kindness to someone else, then he or she can know that this is the call now and fulfilling it will bring a person a very special feeling. If it’s an opportunity to keep quiet in a squabble or a dispute, then that is what is being called for. If one has nothing to do that can mean the moment calls for reflection, for thinking thoughts of gratitude, to seek out someone to call to give encouragement, or to study.
Many times, the thing that feels most challenging is the thing that calls us the most, and when a person comes forth and overcomes the challenge, the pleasure afterwards will be so great, and it will make the challenge well worth it.
This way of thinking can bring light and meaning even into errands and chores that need to be done. If that is what is needed in the house right now it means that it is the right thing to do and it is a mission given to me to fulfill.
When we start lighting one candle and we give thought on how to light up this moment right now, it will bring us to light more and more candles. Every day will be another candle. The light will spread all around us, and more importantly, it will permeate our own lives and enlighten our own existence.
Happy Chanukah to my dear readers!
Comments? Email me: moshe@mosheunger.com.