Light and Wisdom

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index By "Dov Ber Pinson"
Why do we call the Hanukkah Festival of Lights? Why not celebrate the oil or the Miracle of Eight Days? The root of the word Hanukkah is Chinuch, which means education. Hanukkah is a spiritual process is cumulative, whereby the total of thirty-six lights that are lit grow to reveal the light of Creation.

What is light? The light is generally used as a metaphor for wisdom. The universal symbol for understanding in a graphic design or illustration is a light or lightning. light - see. People of all cultures, when grasping a concept that is being explained, use in various languages, one word: see. "Oh, I see", we say, when we finally come to understand something.

Maimonides writes that a prophet can experience a ray of light, of radiance, which illuminates your path. "Light" is often used in the Torah to express knowledge and wisdom. With the words "Let there be light," the creation of the world emerged. The Talmud explains that this light lit Adam and Eve for thirty-six hours, from noon on Friday for the whole day of Shabbat, when "Adam could see the end of the world at his [other] end."

During this time, the Primordial Light, the inner wisdom of purpose and truth, was exhibited to mankind.

But for this purpose of creation is complete and order to overcome the darkness was made manifest, this bright light was hidden from the universe, stored for a time that would still come.

Since then, we long for that light, we seek and seek in prayer, study and meditation. However, even in our darkest hours we can access this memory born of the 36 hours that we, humanity as a whole, we live in this light. "Where should this light be hidden?" asks the Midrash, "in the Torah." In its radiance feel the wisdom, purpose and intent of creation.

In every generation there are 36 elevated souls present who support, nurture and keep this light.Hidden, unobtrusive, and practically unknown, these 36 people just are sparks of that Hidden Light. Through refined awareness of fair, in light of the Torah permeates the world.

During the eight days of Chanukah, our world is bright with this glorious light.