Hanukkah Teaching on Time: The Most Precious Commodity

“In a very deep sense Judaism is a religion of time. Aiming at the sanctification of time. Every moment is holy and an opportunity for sanctification, for goodness, and for service.” A.J. Heschel

I saw an ad for a cruise line that said, Time is our most precious commodity. My father-in-law talked about taking a cruise to Alaska for years. It was a dream he held, but he passed away before he acted on it. This is a reminder to us that time is not just precious—it’s also fleeting. 

Time is celebrated during the eight days of Hanukkah with lighting of candles in honor of the miracle of the oil lasting eight days after the rededication of the Temple. Time, light, and treasuring our days are reflected in the Hanukkah traditions of Shamai and Hillel.

Shamai’s approach to lighting is to start with eight candles and reduce the number of candles each night. Lighting candles in this order can be seen as emphasizing the diminishing nature of time. We are reminded of life’s impermanence and the urgency to appreciate every moment. Watching the light decrease inspires reflection on how quickly time passes, perhaps with the goal of encouraging us to savor what remains and ensure we do not waste our days.

Hillel offers a counterpoint. His tradition is to grow the light by adding a candle each night, symbolizing hope and renewal even as time diminishes. This practice invites us to actively bring more light into the world, not by dwelling on time’s transience, but by adding inspiration and hope. Increasing light is a reminder that even in life’s fleeting nature, we can choose to illuminate—within ourselves, in our relationships, and in the world—through acts of caring, love, and kindness, one small flame at a time.

Both Hanukkah traditions teach us to treasure time. 

Which one of the above approaches best resonates with you? 

As a people, we follow Hillel’s tradition, perhaps because adding feels better, or maybe it is simply a tradition —“ it’s what we do.” By adding light, we engage in a positive action that transforms fleeting time into opportunities for growth, love, and purpose.

In Psalm 90 we read, “Teach us to treasure each day, that we may open our heart to Your wisdom.” Whether we reflect on time’s passing or work to brighten each moment, the lesson remains the same: live wisely, fully, and with intention.

Happy Hanukkah to you and yours. 

May the lights we light shine with the hope of peace in our homes and our world. This year, as Hanukkah and Christmas come together, we are reminded of our shared interconnection. We need all of us—and a lot of light—to illuminate the world.

With prayers for peace, the release of the abducted held in Gaza, and care and safety for all human beings.

Love and Light, Rabbi Sigal