After we light the menorah, as we bask in its glow, we thank and praise Hashem for the miracle of our continued existence, and express our longing for the Ultimate Redemption. The final verse of Maoz Tzur conveys our hopeful longing for Mashiach’s arrival, when darkness will be dispelled and the light of holiness will illuminate the world forever after.
Throughout the centuries, we have long endured the persecution of our enemies, none more so than at the hands of Amalek – the remembrance of whom Hashem commands us to obliterate in this week’s parsha. To this day, its evil influence continues to plague our people, threatening to quash our sense of Torah values, our moral code of ethics and our performance of mitzvos. Even now, the wicked remnants of Amalek incessantly seek to extinguish our pure and holy flame.
Like the message of the menorah: the Creator of the world has the power to burn vinegar like oil, the ability to turn difficulty into growth, evil into good and darkness into light.
It is written that the closest place to Hashem in heaven is the Sha’ar HaNeginah – the Gateway of Music. Every once in a while, there is a song that is sent down from above which contains the key to that exalted entrance. And every once in a while, there is a messenger sent to deliver that song – to implant that key – into the hearts and souls of mankind…
This song commemorates our victory, one of Kedusha over Tumah, of the sacred over that which is profane.