The "small" act of kindling the candles of the Menorah is a very big deal. It's a declaration of individual dedication to the Jewish people (and its history); it's a dedication of one's home to Jewish ideals and to the mission of being a "holy people" and light to the nations...and it's a huge illumination for your OWN neshama (soul)--which is itself likened to a "candle" sent into your body (and this world) to dispel the darkness!