From the Anash.org Inbox: The menorahs strapped to the top of our cars are a beautiful way to spread the light of Chanukah. There are a few things to keep in mind to ensure it remains that way.
By BCB Elman
It’s that time of the year again; It’s that time that we see the holiday lights.
No, not those ones.
I’m talking about the car menorahs that we so proudly display. It’s such a beautiful way for every family to help spread the light and message of Chanukah.
It most definitely can bring about a big kiddush Hashem and kiddush shem Lubavitch. At the same time…..
It’s that time of year again; It’s that time where it gets colder, darker, wetter, and more dangerous on the road.
It doesn’t take much for a beautiful action to turn into a devastating one (not to mention the chilul Hashem r”l).
There are many things that could go wrong on the road that you can’t control for. But you do have a responsibility to do your very best to control what you can.
That means that when you’ve strapped on a menorah you have a detailed list of precautions and hazards that are added on to your driving awareness.
You must ensure that:
The menorah is secure
The menorah is very secure
You know what additional height your vehicle has in order to avoid damaging your car in: a low garage, a bridge, parking garage, trees on the street, & other obstacles
If it protrudes from the side you need to know the additional clearance
You might want to take it off when you go on the highway
Make sure that only responsible and cautious people use your vehicle when it has a menorah attached
Don’t rush anywhere and at anytime! Don’t compromise your judgment
Additionally you should always bear in mind who & what you’re representing; obey all traffic laws and don’t drive recklessly. If that means paying attention to the time so that you don’t need to rush and cut off 30 cars to get on the highway, or perhaps take the bus lane with your blinker on for 8 blocks, then so be it! Your goal is to make a kiddush Hashem and kiddush shem Lubavitch, make sure you reach that goal.
It’s our job to be a light upon the nations, let’s not squander the opportunity to shine!
Let’s be safe and everyone will have a most wonderful and freilichen Chanukah! Hatzlacha rabbah umuflagah!
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