The Gemara in Masechet Shabbat (23; listen to audio recording for precise citation) tells that Rav Huna would often pass by the home of Rabbi Abin, and he noticed that many candles were lit in Rav Abin’s home. Rav Huna declared that two Torah scholars will emerge from Rav Abin, and his prediction was later fulfilled. Similarly, the Gemara relates, Rav Hisda would frequently walk in front of the home of Rabbi Shizbeh, and he took note of the fact that many candles were lit in the home. Rav Hisda, too, predicted that great Torah scholars would emerge from Rav Shizbeh.
The Sages teach that "one who is accustomed to [lighting] a candle will have children who are Torah scholars." This means that the reward for the meticulous observance of the Misvot of Shabbat candles and Hanukah candles is having children who become great Torah scholars. And so when Rav Huna and Rav Hisda saw homes that were meticulous with regard to these Misvot, they realized that these homes would produce Torah scholars. The Maharsha (Rabbi Shemuel Eliezer Eidels, Poland, 1555-1631) notes that Rav Huna predicted the emergence of two Torah scholars from the home of Rabbi Abin. He explains that Rabbi Abin was meticulous in his observance both candle lighting obligations – Shabbat candles, and Hanukah candles – and he was therefore deserving of begetting two great Torah scholars.
This demonstrates the unique importance of these Misvot, and the great reward that we can earn through their strict observance. This is especially true on Shabbat Hanukah, when we have two Misvot to light candles – one assigned to the wife (Shabbat candles) and one assigned to the husband (Hanukah candles). It behooves us when lighting the Shabbat candles and the Hanukah candles to ensure to light in the proper manner, in the proper time, with the proper materials, and with the proper intention, so that we will be deserving of the immense reward that is promised to those who properly observe these Misvot.
Rav Haim Brim noted the fact that the Gemara mentions as the reward for these Misvot having children who become Talmideh Hachamim, rather than becoming a Talmid Hacham oneself. This demonstrates that the greatest reward, the greatest source of joy and satisfaction for a person, is to see his children excel in Torah learning and observance. Having children who become great scholars is a greater reward that personal achievement, and therefore the Gemara points to children becoming scholars as the reward for the Misvot of Shabbat and Hanukah candle lighting.
In our generation, when, unfortunately, we see so many youths abandoning the path of Torah and Misvot, we must take advantage of every available opportunity to help ensure that our children will grow to become righteous and devoted servants of Hashem. Let us therefore see to it that we observe the Misvot of Shabbat and Hanukah candles properly, and with the intention that "Ner Misva Ve’Torah Or" ("A Misva is a candle, and Torah is light" – Mishleh 6:23), that the candles we light should result in the flame of Torah and Misvot that will burn within our children, Amen.
