What are the similarities between the burning bush and the Hanukah candles?
Fascinating question. The burning bush describes the difference between something that’s burning, and a wick. If the bush were to be its own fuel, it would be quickly consumed. But a wick – there the fuel is really something else, and the wick is just the vehicle to hold the flame; it doesn’t get consumed till all the fuel is gone.
With this parable, G-d was explaining to Moses what it means to be a prophet. Surely no human being could tolerate the complete fire of holiness that comes from being connected to G-d’s word. But if the human being makes himself only into a vehicle, a conduit, then he can be a bearer of G-d’s words without being destroyed by them. Moses was the human who came the closest to this ideal, who could, as our Sages say, “see through a clear glass”.
You are suggesting that the Hanukah lights also represent a similar idea. Because the Hasmoneans came to serve G-d with self-sacrifice, saw themselves as vehicles rather than sources, they could be the source of a light which doesn’t run out. (See also the Haftorah Portion from Zechariah which is read on the Sabbath of Hanukah.)
Thanks very much for the beautiful suggestion.
Best wishes,
Michoel Reach