Rabbi Judah ben Bezalel Lowe, known as the Maharal of Prague was famous among Jews and non-Jews alike. He was a mystic who was revered for his holiness and Torah scholarship, as well as his proficiency in mathematics, astronomy, and other sciences. Eventually, word of his greatness reached the ears of Emperor Rudolph II.
The Emperor invited the Maharal to his castle on February 23, 1592. There they conversed for one and a half hours, and developed a mutual respect for each other.
Rabbi Judah Lowe made use of his excellent connections with the Emperor, often intervening on behalf of his community when it was threatened by anti-Semitic attacks or oppression.
The Shabbat candles are lit to provide light, so we can see our food, so we do not stumble, so we can enjoy a peaceful, delightful Shabbat.
But the light of the Chanukah menorah is a different kind of light. It is not to be used for anything at all. It’s function is not that you should see, but that it should be seen.
For it is the light that shone before the world was made.
Light is wisdom. Wisdom is light.
There is wisdom that is helpful to us, so we can see where we are, so we do not stumble, so we can do what we need to do, arrive where we need to arrive. And so, we appreciate that wisdom.
And then there is wisdom that is true simply because it is true. Even when it is not convenient.
Yet without that absolute wisdom, all other wisdom falls and crumbles.
For it is the wisdom that shone before the world was made. It was hidden in the Torah for a time yet to come. And it shines on Chanukah.