This Chanukah, let’s listen to the candles

The beautiful celebration of Chanukah starts this Sunday evening, Dec. 18. [Chabad.org]( By the Grace of G‑d Dear Friend, Can you feel it? The world is about to become much brighter! The beautiful celebration of Chanukah starts this Sunday evening, December 18. The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, often taught: “We must listen carefully to what the candles are saying.” In that spirit, here are five Chanukah messages, culled and adapted from the Rebbe’s teachings: - Never be afraid to stand up for what’s right. Judah Maccabee and his band faced incalculable odds to uphold the Torah, but that didn’t stop them. With a prayer on their lips and faith in their heart, they entered the battle of their lives—and won. In the face of our own difficulties to adhere to the divine mitzvos, we can certainly follow their example—and see our challenges disappear! - Always increase in matters of goodness and Torah-observance. Sure, a single flame was good enough for yesterday, but today needs to be even better. - A little light goes a long way. The Chanukah candles are lit when dusk is falling. Perched in the doorway, they serve as a beacon for the darkening streets. No matter how dark it is outside, a candle of divine goodness can transform the thickest darkness into light. - Take it to the streets. Chanukah is unique insofar as its primary observance is to spread light to the outside, to the world. It’s not enough to be a Jew at heart, or even at home. Chanukah urges us to shine outward and illuminate our environment with the G‑dly glow of mitzvahs. [Here is a letter]( from the Rebbe illustrating this point. - Don't be ashamed to perform G-d’s mitzvahs, even if you will feel different. Rather, be like a menorah, and proudly proclaim your radiant uniqueness for all to see. (And those from whom you fear embarrassment will admire your inner strength…!) * * * * * Since we get asked this question hundreds of times each year, here’s a refresher: We place the first candle on the far right side of the menorah, and then [progressively add one each night leftward]( from there. With blessings from all of us at Chabad.org, I wish you and yours a very Happy and Illuminating [Chanukah]( Sincerely, Rabbi Zalman Shmotkin Executive Director P.S. I’d like to invite you to join one of our [live Chanukah celebrations]( broadcast from Menorah celebrations across the globe, including Jerusalem, Paris, New York, Florida, and Canada. --------------------------------------------------------------- You are receiving this email at {EMAIL} because you indicated that you would like to receive periodic updates from [Chabad.org](#), or have recently used one of our services. To be removed entirely, [go here](. If your email address is changing please send us your new email address [here](. [Chabad.org]( · 770 Eastern Parkway Suite 405 · Brooklyn, NY 11213