My Personal Chanukkah Lesson

Years ago, I was in LA and needed something at a Jewish gift shop so I stopped by a place not far from my parents house. As I walked in, a man (maybe in his late 50s) also walked inside. After speaking for a few minutes to the owner, who was an observant Jew, he was asked if he wanted to put on tefillin.

"What's that?" the man asked.

"Are you Jewish?" the owner asked. The man replied, "yes—but I'm a reform Jew" he said, in a way as though he was making a statement.

The owner chuckled and replied "what difference does it make? A Jew is a Jew! Are your parents Jewish?" The man immediately responded, "of course!" The owner smiled big and motioned with his hand, "Great. Come now, I'll show you about putting on tefillin--don't worry it's nothing to be scared of."

The man followed the owner, looking a little doubtful. As the tefillin was being placed on the man he seemed to slowly relax. A light appeared in his eyes and he kept saying "I would really like a picture of this!" He then repeated the blessing over tefillin that the owner told him to say. I was so moved by it all that I ran to the car to get a camera. By the time I came back, the man was already using his phone camera to let someone take his photo while he wore tefillin for the very first time in his life.

He looked so happy...and yet, just moments earlier he had been doubtful. Funny how quickly the soul responds to a mitzvah. I felt tears in my eyes watching how the owner was able to bring this newly extraordinary and yet sacred experience to this Jewish man. Who knows, it could be the beginning of an amazing spiritual journey that transforms this man's whole life.

I took a deep breath. I almost felt jealous of the owner...

Almost.

After all, we each have our own individual mission. I realized that this is a part of what Chanukah is about...just like one candle can bring light to a dark room, so can one unique soul shine light into the life of another. Our light will never be the same as someone else's, but it will be ours and ours alone. It will have the power to transform and inspire in a way that no one else can.

All we have to do is pay attention; to look for the opportunity to make that difference...and it may be right in front of us!