A Mixed Metaphor for the Menorah

All candles in the festival of Hanukkah are equal,

except the eighth one, which is special, since it has no sequel

until the next year, so that every Jew is forced to wait

a whole year till another candle with this candle’s weight,

its equal and long-waited sequel, occupies a place

that’s very close to one where number eight was, in a space

that’s situated not precisely where it was, but seven

candles distant from it, echoing the stars in heaven

as do the candles every night, to start another round

of candles that are kindled nightly to the festive sound

of blessings for the miracles that God performs each day,

miracles for which we do not even need to pray

because they happen naturally, as only in December,

in Kislev and in Tevet, kindling candles we remember,

every Hanukkah to one that came before its sequel,

and to one the Hasmoneans celebrated equal.

Some think the holiest of all the candles number five,

fifth day the only one that Shabbos never makes alive,

so that its power to illuminate the darkness must

be greater than all other candles, but I think I’ve just

improved on what these people say, by claiming that the last,

the eighth, is greater than them all, for when its light has passed,

it’s what we all remember waiting for another year

when our menorah shines far brighter than a chandelier

proclaiming everyone who’s lit eight lights a winner — it

illuminates this praise more brightly than a minaret.

Please, by this major metaphor for the menorah’s eight lights please do not be shocked if

I see it just as soundly as if were an illuminated octave.

A rabbi who attended the wedding of the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe reported that he told him during the wedding that the fifth night of Hanukkah symbolizes the greatest darkness because, unlike the others, it can never occur on Shabbat. He added that Hanukah’s unique strength reaches its full expression specifically on the fifth night, and that it is therefore the task of every Jew, wherever he finds himself, to illuminate even the greatest darkness.