And so the light to dispel the darkness begins to emerge. Happy First Night of Chanukah!
Second night 5785 - the light of insight can guide us to recognize true tyranny and to hold leaders accountable when they believe they are beyond reproach, and to bravely stand up to them.
Happy Third Night of Chanukah! When we gather together as a community (pictured here at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah), three plus the helper on many Chanukiot demonstrates that our coordinated celebration increases our light as we take our stand for the continuation of our heritage, for bravery and for holiness.
What was it like for Jews over the centuries to light Chanukiot in their homes? When they put the lights in a place visible to passersby, did people gaze as did those who did the kindling? What did they see in the lights? Was it freedom from fear of oppression by their rulers or neighbors? Was it hope for continued freedom when they lived in hospitable societies? Or was it, simply, joy for being able to observe this annual ritual for yet another year? My ancestors in shtetls in Lithuania and Poland, and their ancestors, would have an answer. Or maybe, we are their answer, as well as our next generations, because we are here, living, at this moment, in a land of liberty, resolved to preserve the opportunities we have to practice Judaism. I know that we would make them proud. Happy Fourth Night of Chanukah 5785!.
“Counting up” is one of the most important lessons of Chanukah. The School of Shammai suggested kindling 8 lights on the first night, seven on the second night, until there is only one on the eighth night. The School of Hillel taught that we should begin with one light on the first night and add a light each night, until we reach eight on the last night, because we increase in matters of holiness. And we follow the school of Hillel.
And so we continue our luminary optimism until this day, hoping to spread our hope to others.
Happy Fifth night of Chanukah 5785!
Happy Sixth Night of Chanukah!
In homes and communal spaces, the light burns brightly and illuminates the darkness. The decency, respect and responsibility that we learn and teach at home can find its way into the world through our ongoing commitment and action. (Photos from our home and from the Nemitoff Small Prayer Space at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah)
Happy Seventh Night of Chanukah 5785!
What if the Maccabean brothers had decided not to follow the lead of their father, Matthathias the priest?
What if the people had not joined them in the fight?
What if they had decided that Greek culture was ultimately better than what Judaism of their time had to offer?
What if the Maccabean/Hasmonean rulers had taken a different approach to their reign, applying principles that led to greater benevolence?
What if the the Hasmonean dynasty had lasted longer than its end in 63 BCE, when the Romans took over?
What if the rabbis had not reinterpreted the story of Chanukah, the rededication of the Temple, as a story of a miracle of light?
What if the ongoing observance of Chanukah in 2000 years-worth of generations is actually the miracle of light?
We never know how one decision, one action, might affect the future. May we be wise as we step into a new secular year and continue our Jewish year with a sense of confidence and hope.
Happy Eighth Night of Chanukah 5785! And happy secular New Year 2025!
I waited until tonight to take reflection photos in our living room window and patio door. What did I see in the reflection of the lights and in the lights themselves?
Brilliance
Beauty
Diversity
Unity
Joy
Persistence
Dedication
Renewal.
This year, the shamash, the helper candle, needs to represent, in my mind, generosity of spirit. The rabbis taught that the lights of the Chanukiot should be visible in the courtyards outside the homes of those who kindle the flames each night. This year, may we be like “shamashim” who bring our values into the world, even when our society may have other principles in mind on which to base policies and decisions. When these lights go out, the desire to make a difference in the world will linger until next Chanukah. May the Eternal One continue to bless the good work of our hands.
