TO LIGHT ANOTHER LIGHT

There’s a fascinating argument in the Talmud that debates the following question: Can you use one Ḥanukka light to light another? Usually, of course, we take an extra light, the shamash, and use it to light all the candles. But suppose we don’t have one. Can we light the first candle and then use it to light the others?

Two great Sages of the third century, Rav and Shmuel, disagreed. Rav said no. Shmuel said yes. Normally we have a rule that when Rav and Shmuel disagree, the law follows Rav. There are only three exceptions, and this is one of them.

Why did Rav say that you may not use one Ḥanukka candle to light the others?

Because, says the Talmud, “Mishum deka makhḥish mitzva,” “You will diminish the first candle.” Inevitably, you will spill some of the wax or oil. And Rav says: Don’t do anything that would diminish the light of the first candle.

But Shmuel disagrees, and the law follows Shmuel. Why?

The best way of answering this is to think of two Jews: both religious, both committed, both living Jewish lives. One says: “I must not get involved with Jews who are less religious than me, because if I do, my own standards will fall. I’ll keep less. My light will be diminished.” That’s the view of Rav.

The other says: “No. When I use the flame of my faith to light a candle in someone else’s life, my Jewishness is not diminished. It grows, because there is now more Jewish light in the world. When it comes to spiritual goods as opposed to material goods, the more I share, the more I have. If I share my knowledge, or faith, or love with others, I won’t have less; I may even have more.” That’s the view of Shmuel, and that is how the law was eventually decided.

So share your Judaism with others. Take the flame of your faith and help set other souls on fire.

❖ Points to Ponder

1. How is sharing material goods similar to the position of Rav?

2. How is sharing spiritual or moral goods similar to the position of Shmuel?

3. How will you be like Shmuel today?