These are the words of the song, Hanayrot Hallelu  - taken from the Talmud  - that is chanted each night after we light the Hanukkah candles. The words explicitly teach us we cannot use the lights of the Hanukkiah to read a book or use the Hanukkiah as a  flashlight. They can have no purpose except to be seen and admired for what they represent.

Why would we light candles that we are not allowed to use, rather only admire? Interestingly, the origin of the Shabbat candles that we are required to light weekly comes from the notion of Oneg, or enhancing the Shabbat so others could see their family by candlelight while dining around the table and add to the feeling and sanctity of the Sabbath day. In the ancient days when families ate in caves for shelter and warmth, the idea of eating by candlelight was considered a luxury worth celebrating on special occasions, like Shabbat. But there is a fantastic irony that on Hanukkah, it is the opposite. we are not permitted to use the candles, only to look and admire. Why this irony?

Perhaps the purpose of not using the lights of Hanukkah but only looking at and admiring them is to to pause in the bustle of wrapping paper and latkes with applesauce and to encourage us to look at the lights, remember the miracle of Hanukkah and the countless miracles each day we ignore, overlook or take for granted. By admiring the lights and thinking of the miracle of the day supply of oil that lasted for 8 nights, maybe we can, even if just for a few moments, learn to appreciate the miracles in our lives and the light that burns around us year-round.

Wishing you and your family a bright and blessed Hanukkah filled with miracles that we notice and admire.

Rabbi David-Seth Kirshner