Chanukah: A Taste of the Eternal Reward

It is written, “You shall therefore keep the commandments which I command you today to do them (Deuteronomy 7:11).” Rashi comments, “today to do them, and tomorrow to receive reward.” The same idea is also found in the Talmud (Avodah Zarah 3a).

Our sages also teach us, “Reward for the Commandments in this world does not exist (Kiddushin 39b).”

The Baal Shem Tov explained that this world cannot accept the Light of the reward for any commandment or proper observance. This Light comes from the Infinite Being, and each spark contains the whole. This world, on the other hand, is finite. (Rabbi Nachum of Tchernoble; Meor Einaim, Beshalach)

Application: In the Shabbat Mussaf we say, “Those who taste it merit life.” Have in mind that we should be able to taste the spark of Eternal Reward that shines in the light of the Chanukah candles, and merit to taste eternity in our Shabbat.