Passing the Light Forward With each night of Hanukkah, the light increases, illuminating more of the darkness. This growing brightness reflects God’s desire for His people to be or lagoyim (אוֹר לַגּוֹיִם)—a light to the nations. The menorah is intentionally placed where it can be seen, teaching us that God’s work in our lives is not meant to remain hidden....

Day 6: Victory Through Obedience The victory of the Maccabees was never about military might or numerical advantage. It was rooted in obedience. Against overwhelming odds, they chose faithfulness over fear, trusting that alignment with God mattered more than visible strength. In Scripture, the word shema (שָׁמַע) goes far beyond simply hearing a command; it means to listen with the...

God Dwelling With His People The restoration of the Temple was more than a national or historical victory; it symbolized God’s longing to shakan (שָׁכַן)—to dwell among His people. When the Temple was rededicated, the return of the divine presence, known as the Shekhinah (שְׁכִינָה), signaled that God’s nearness, glory, and holiness were once again filling sacred space. It was...