959 —נרות להאיר, לקחים מבעל ההילולא על הארה כנר

B"H, 25 Adar Sheni, 5711. Brooklyn, NY.

It is well known the saying of the Baal HaHilula^[1] who said about his students that their role is to be "nerot leha’ir" (candles to illuminate). The words of tzaddikim in general, and especially those of the leaders of Israel regarding their students and those connected to them, are precise—even in their details. So too with the description "candles to illuminate": it serves as a guide for his followers in many essential matters.

Some of these lessons: Several qualities exist in an illuminating candle. The candle itself is a source of light—even if only a small one. The candle consists of oil and a wick; in the analogy: oil refers to Torah^[1] and mitzvot, while the wick represents the person—that is, the body, or more precisely, that part of the soul called nefesh which partners with the body; on a deeper level—the G‑dly soul clothed within the animal soul.

When one lights the wick and it unites with the oil, the candle shines with many lights. In general, there are two types of light: dark light and bright light—elevation and drawing down. A unique quality of candlelight is that it alone is suitable for searching and examining hidden places—"it searches all the innermost chambers."

All these matters in their spiritual analogy are well understood and explained. And most importantly: by fulfilling all of this according to the instructions of the Baal HaHilula, one's candle illuminates his portion of the world—and all the more so his own animal soul and G‑dly soul. This is the ultimate purpose for which the soul descends into this world; upon this depends also the ultimate purpose of Mashiach’s days and resurrection of the dead—which should happen speedily in our days, Amen.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that being a "candle to illuminate" means refining oneself through Torah and mitzvot so that one’s inner light shines outward—fulfilling one’s purpose by bringing G‑dliness into every part of one’s world.