Flames and Wicks

The sages compare the flames of the Chanukah candles to Torah study (knowledge) and the wicks of the Chanukah candles to the mitzvot (action).

Theoretical knowledge (the flames) that fails to change the way we live is both empty and meaningless. What we learn must attach itself to something tangible (the wicks).

Every Chanukah we light candles and retell this history. Then, we rededicate ourselves to religious tolerance.

For centuries we have taken this knowledge (our Torah) and transformed into an act of righteousness and right actions (mitzvot).

This is the miracle that keeps on making Chanukah real and tangible.