If you missed my previous blog about the history of Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, click here. In this continuation, we’ll explore the menorah, the significance of the shamash candle, and ways to light up others’ lives through GRATITUDE and kindness.
The Meaning Behind the Menorah
The Structure of the Menorah
The menorah, or chanukiah, holds nine candles: eight represent the days of Chanukah, and the ninth candle, the shamash or “helper,” is used to light the others. This elevated candle symbolizes our ability to ignite light in others.
Be the Shamash – A Helper and Light-Bringer
The shamash reminds us that we have the power—and the responsibility—to brighten someone else’s day. Small acts of kindness and gratitude can create ripples of joy and connection.
How to Shed Light Unto Others
Use Your GRATITUDE Journal
Look through your GRATITUDE Journal - the shamash - it helps you remember your GRATITUDE W.I.N.S. Who has made a difference in your life? Make time to call, text, or email them to express your appreciation. This simple acknowledgment can lead to a beautiful cycle of positivity: you thank them, they feel good, and they thank you in return.
Practice Random Acts of Kindness (RAK)
Being a shamash can be as simple as performing Random Acts of Kindness. These small gestures can lead to a chain reaction of goodness. Here are some RAK ideas to inspire you:
Each act, no matter how small, has the potential to brighten someone’s day.
A Story of Kindness – The FEED Six Project
Teens Making a Difference
From 1997-2017, I taught at a Title 1 high school where students faced significant challenges. But when given the chance to give back, they consistently exceeded expectations.
About fifteen years ago, we started the FEED Six project, providing families with full Thanksgiving meals. Students (the shamashim) brought in food items, and together, we created meal boxes that became lifelines for families in need. The project is still going on.
Gratitude in Action
One year, a student named Kevin carried a Feed Six box to a mother's car. She looked at him and said “Because of you and your classmates, Christmas came early this year.” He came back to class with tears in his eyes.
Another time, a former recipient of the FEED Six project donated $20 at a grocery store collection. She shared that her father was in a horrific car accident right before Thanksgiving and wasn't able to work. Feed Six came right on time. My students (the shamashim) made it possible for her family to gather for Thanksgiving. and now she was wanted to pay it forward. (She became the shamash).
These moments exemplify the ripple effect of kindness.
How Will You Be a Shamash This Week?
Create Your Own GRATITUDE W.I.N.S.
Over the next eight days, challenge yourself to perform acts of kindness and gratitude. Start small or go big—every effort makes a difference. Here are a few ideas to get started:
✅Purchase a Living in GRATITUDE Today shirt for someone special.
✅Revisit your GRATITUDE journal and reconnect with someone who’s made a positive impact.
✅Commit to one RAK (random Act of Kindness) each day or week—whatever fits your schedule.
Brighten Lives, One Act at a Time
Like the shamash, your small actions can ignite light in others, creating GRATITUDE W.I.N.S. for everyone involved. Let the spirit of Chanukah guide you to be a helper, a light-bringer, and a force for kindness.
