Bringing Light to the World

The days are getting shorter, the nights are getting darker, and it’s getting much, much too cold outside!  These dark days of December can sometimes feel just a bit discouraging and depressing.  We miss the sunshine, the warmth, and the long days.  Just when we’re feeling the most blue, Chanukah arrives: latkes, dreidels, presents, celebration, and light!

Think back to the Hanukkah story:  The Syrian Greeks attempted to destroy our way of life.  Our ancestors weren’t allowed to study Torah, celebrate Jewish holidays, or gather together as a people.  They were asked to bow down to idols, to forego their Jewish responsibilities.  Yet, they didn’t stand down.  They stood up for their values and beliefs.  They fought valiantly with their words and their fists.  After overcoming their enemy, they entered the Temple in Jerusalem and kindled the menorah, bringing light to their world.

That is our responsibility today.  Our world can sometimes feel darkened, filled with hate and anger.  Often at this time of year, we want to curl up into a ball and ignore all of the challenges that surround us.  Yet, we can’t be blind to our reality.  As a Jew, our responsibility is to bring light to the world.  To become a beacon of kindness, compassion, justice, and love.  It’s difficult to make change, yet those Hanukkah candles remind us that light overcomes darkness, that love overcomes hate. 

May this be a joyous and celebratory Hanukkah for us all.  May the light of the menorah give us strength, dedication, and a sense of hope for the future.  During these darkest days, may the light of the Hanukkah candles give us strength to transform our world into a place of hope and peace for all humanity.