December 15, 2025 
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As told by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks ZT”L
Judaism commands us to light flames on three sacred occasions: Shabbos, Havdalah, and Chanukah. At first glance, they may appear similar—each involves a candle, each brings light—but each represents a profoundly different spiritual message. Together, they tell a powerful story about how Jews are meant to live, both privately and publicly.
Shabbos candles are lit indoors, ushering peace into the home. Their purpose is shalom bayit—peace, harmony, and sanctity within the family. They illuminate the space where marriage is nurtured, children are raised, and holiness quietly dwells.
These candles symbolize Judaism’s inner light: the private world of faith, where values are lived intimately and spirituality fills the home with the presence of the Shechinah.
Chanukah candles tell a very different story. Originally, they were lit outside, at the entrance of the home, facing the public domain. Only during times of persecution were Jews forced to move them indoors.
In modern times, the Lubavitcher Rebbe famously revived the original spirit of Chanukah by encouraging the lighting of giant menorahs in public spaces. This restored Chanukah’s true purpose: proclaiming Jewish identity openly and courageously.
Chanukah represents the light Judaism brings to the outside world—the courage to live by our principles, to declare who we are without fear, and to fight when necessary for religious freedom and moral truth
Havdalah candles are unique. They are not a single flame but several wicks braided together. This design is intentional.
Havdalah represents the fusion of the inner and outer lights—the holiness of Shabbos carried forward into the six days of work and engagement with the wider world. It teaches that Judaism is not meant to be confined to the synagogue or the home alone, nor diluted when we step into public life.
Rather, when we live as Jews privately, filling our homes with sanctity, and as Jews publicly, bringing hope, ethics, and faith into the world, the result is a far greater light than either could produce alone
There have always been two ways to respond to a world that is often dark and filled with pain. One is to curse the darkness. The other is to light a flame.
As the Hasidic masters taught, a little light drives away much darkness.
When we combine the inner light of Shabbos, the public courage of Chanukah, and the bridge of Havdalah that unites them, we fulfill Judaism’s deepest calling: not merely to endure the world, but to illuminate it.
May we all help light up the world
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