Ask the Rabbi with Rabbi Chaim Mintz
I know that women have special prayers they recite after they light Shabbat candles. Should we also be praying after we light Chanukah candles? And is there any point in sitting and watching the Chanukah candles?
Rabbi Chaim Mintz responds:
The Light of the Menorah = The Light of Torah
You certainly should pray after lighting the Chanukah candles! The Gemara (Shabbat 23b) tells us that someone who is meticulous in the mitzvah (commandment) of kindling Shabbat and Chanukah candles will merit children who are Torah scholars. The reason for this is that light in general, and the light of the Chanukah candles in particular, represents the light of the Torah. As the pasuk (verse) (Mishlei 6:23) states, “Ki ner mitzvah veTorah ohr – for the commandment is a lamp, and the Torah is light.”
In addition, as the Ramban writes, the lighting of the Chanukah menorah is considered an extension of the lighting of the menorah in the Beit Hamikdash (Holy Temple). Every service in the Beit Hamikdash had the spiritual power to bring a specific shower of blessing down to this world. For example, the lechem hapanim (showbread) placed on the Shulchan (table) brought parnassah (livelihood) down to the world, and the lighting of the menorah brought the light of Torah down from Heaven.
Just as physical fire creates light and warmth, the lighting of the menorah in the Beit Hamikdash brought the light and spiritual warmth of the Torah to the world. This illumination helped people understand Torah on a deeper level, and to connect to Hashem through their Torah study.
You Certainly Should Pray!
Similarly, when we kindle the Chanukah menorah, we help bring the spiritual light and warmth of the Torah to the world, helping us connect to Hashem. The more pure and sanctified a person is, and the more kavanah (intention) he has, the greater power his mitzvah will have, and the more he will be able to bring this light and warmth into the world. So, it is certainly an auspicious time to pray for children who will light up the world with Torah, as well as other requests that come along with the light of Torah, such as health, parnassah and nachas (gratification, specifically from the achievements of one’s children).
Internalizing the Message of the Menorah
Sitting and looking at the candles is a nice thing to do, if that helps you internalize their message, by thinking about the great miracles Hashem performed for us and the great love He has for us. But there is no requirement to do so. So, if you have the time, great, but as is true with many things, you have to balance it with your other responsibilities.
In short: Chanukah candle lighting is an auspicious time for prayer. Sitting at the candles and internalizing the message of the lights is a nice thing to do if you are able to.
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