Celebrating Chanukah Even (Especially) Now
Dear Friends,
With Chanukah upon us at this particularly difficult time in our Jewish lives, it is vital and inspiring to recall our miraculous survival in the face of near extinction at the hands of foes some 2,000 years ago.
We are in the midst of experiencing the far-reaching consequences of the recent unfathomable genocidal pogrom against Israel’s Jews (with non-Jewish Israeli and non-Israeli friends in their midst who were tragically trapped in the horrors) perpetrated by the depraved Jihadist Hamas, the widespread support it received, and the explosion of seething Jew-hatred in words and action unleashed against Jews worldwide – anywhere and everywhere.
This is a profound moment for us to once again take stock of the wonder of our distinct Jewish heritage and history, to rededicate ourselves to it, and to celebrate our pride in Judaism, in the Land of Israel, and in our ability to survive against overwhelming odds. And with the current circumstances in mind and heart, it is also a most fitting time to recall, with gratitude, the heroism of the Makabim (Maccabees), their willingness and determination to confront the enemy, the distress, and negativity; to reject the easy way out and instead to stand up for what is right.
The powerful Syrian Greeks wanted to obliterate Jewish life and living, seeking to do away with Jewish values and observances, history and destiny, morals and ethics. They defiled the Beit HaMikdash (holy Temple), and forbade the Jews from practicing their religion, on pain of death. Facing these perilous circumstances, the Chashmonai (Hasmonean) family, led by Matityahu and his 5 sons – the most famous of whom was Y’hudah haMakabi (Judah Maccabee) took on this battle of survival and, with God’s help, miraculously they won! Upon their victory, the Makabim spent time cleaning, rebuilding, and purifying the Beit HaMikdash. When they were ready to rededicate the Beit HaMikdash and relight the menorah, they could not find enough oil. But miraculously, the tiny bit of oil they did manage to find lasted for the days of rededication.
The miracles of the Chanukah are celebrated to this day, but most important and inspiring are the powerful lasting messages of the Chanukah story:
* We celebrate and embrace the Makabim’s burning desire to stand up for who they were – Jews! – and what they believed; their fight to reclaim and revitalize Judaism and its practice; and the triumph of the virtuous few over the tyrannical empire that sought to destroy them.
* We celebrate and embrace our Chanukah story’s enduring messages of thriving survival, proud Jewish identity, national allegiance, the importance of battling for what is right, the triumph of good over evil, and ultimately, devotion to Adonai.
* We celebrate our homeland – Eretz Yisrael, Tziyon, Y’rushalayim, and the entire Land of Israel, defended by the Makabim so long ago, as the eternal land of the Jewish people.
* We celebrate חג האורים (Chag HaUrim), the Festival of Lights, highlighting the light emanating from the Chanukah candles that increases each night. The intensity of that light extols the Jewish imperative to vanquish darkness with light, to love good and hate evil; and its luminescence gives us the courage and strength of our ancestors to uphold and be true to their and our shared convictions, inspiring us to do all in our power to add to the bright wonder of family, Judaism, and celebration in our lives, and in the lives of those whom we know and love. As a congregation, we thank all those who help to do this for our k’hilah, keeping its paths always warmly and brightly illuminated. As the Jewish People, we proudly and unequivocally support and stand as one with our brothers and sisters in Israel and with the State of Israel.
With a mix of painful and joyous emotions today, we pray that the sacred lights of Chanukah provide us with the comfort, sustenance, and guidance to make the right choices; that we may be granted the wisdom to see and understand the astonishing and lasting potential in just one cruise of pure oil, and in each individual; and that may we be worthy descendants of what we have inherited and worthy progenitors of what is yet to come.
As we celebrate the joyous festival of Chanukah this year even amidst the heart-rending and challenging nature of these times, we recall the Makabim’s victory of long ago, and in this light we wish for our modern state, people, and army of Israel unequivocal, complete, lasting, and eternal victory. Am Yisrael chai v’kayam! -- עם ישראל חי וקיים!
My best wishes to each of you for a Happy Chanukah!
Rabbi Jonathan Pearl