There is a well-known Talmudic dispute as to the proper order of lighting the Chanukah candles. Bais Hilel (the prevailing opinion) says to start with one candle and add one each night. Bais Shammai says to start with eight candles and light one fewer each night. What are they arguing about?
Fire serves two purposes. On the one hand it can provide much needed light and heat, which is a positive aspect, on the other hand fire is a destructive force as well. All revolutions whether on a national scale such as Chanukah, or on a personal scale, such as someone engaging in a process of personal growth, contain both of these elements. Out with the bad, in with the good. A destroying of those elements of the old regime or lifestyle that were unhealthy and replacing them with new and better ideas and ideals.
But which force takes precedence? Is it the destruction of the old or the building up of the new. Bais Shammai emphasizes the ridding of the old ways which is why he says start with eight and work your way down, whereas Bais Hilel is focused on that which is new and better and presently in an embryonic state. Start with one and work your way up.
The prevailing opinion is that of Bais Hilel. Yes, growth requires destruction, but that is not where our focus is meant to be. Focus on growth and building up, of yourself, your family, your neighbors, your society, your country, the world.
Fire serves two purposes. On the one hand it can provide much needed light and heat, which is a positive aspect, on the other hand fire is a destructive force as well. All revolutions whether on a national scale such as Chanukah, or on a personal scale, such as someone engaging in a process of personal growth, contain both of these elements. Out with the bad, in with the good. A destroying of those elements of the old regime or lifestyle that were unhealthy and replacing them with new and better ideas and ideals.
But which force takes precedence? Is it the destruction of the old or the building up of the new. Bais Shammai emphasizes the ridding of the old ways which is why he says start with eight and work your way down, whereas Bais Hilel is focused on that which is new and better and presently in an embryonic state. Start with one and work your way up.The prevailing opinion is that of Bais Hilel. Yes, growth requires destruction, but that is not where our focus is meant to be. Focus on growth and building up, of yourself, your family, your neighbors, your society, your country, the world.
sur me'ray v aseh Tov!
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