When I was a child, I played musical chairs in school like many of us did. One day, I noticed a boy in my class who always seemed to be the first one out. He had a tough time fitting in and always struggled. I felt a wave of compassion and decided, without telling anyone, to slow down and let him take my seat. It was a small, quiet act of kindness I never thought much about afterward.
Years later, I learned what that moment meant to him. This boy had faced a difficult life—losing his father young, his mother struggling, and falling into addiction. I ran into him once, and though he seemed a shadow of who he once was, he avoided talking to me, full of shame. Later, I heard that he ended up in rehab after nearly losing his life to an overdose. During a therapy session, he was asked to recall something beautiful from his life. He shared the story of musical chairs and how I had let him have my seat. That small act became a spark of hope for him—a reason to believe there was still good in the world and that he could rebuild his life.
I don’t share this story lightly, but it’s a powerful reminder of the Chanukah message: the impact of small acts. Just as one tiny, undefiled flask of oil burned for eight days, one small gesture can create ripples of hope and transformation. Even when things seem broken or hopeless, a single ember can reignite a flame.
This Chanukah, let’s remember the power of small acts—a smile, a kind word, a helping hand. These simple gestures can change lives in ways we may never fully know. Happy Chanukah!
