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.
