Standing together this Hanukkah

Hanukkah is a holiday with two major themes. One is the faith in God that brings victory. The other is need for light to dispel darkness.

In the second century BCE, Israel was controlled by the Selucids of Syria, a Hellenistic dynasty. Their king, Antiochus Epiphanes IV tried to eradicate Jewish religion and culture by forcing Hellenism and pagan worship upon Israel. The population was forced to wear Greek garb, speak Greek in all official affairs and circumcision was forbidden as was Shabbat.

A gymnasium, where men were required to enter naked was built next to the Holy Temple. Pagan idols were introduced into the Temple. The Maccabees, a priestly family visiting Jerusalem, saw our heritage being destroyed and organized a rebellion.

Though Antiochus directed 60,000 troops against Israel, the Maccabees defeated them with only 7,000 men. We restored our Temple, our worship, our culture and our religion. As we rededicated our Temple, we rededicated ourselves to our God and our way of life. Our collective memory of the Maccabees has given us strength and hope for 2200 years.

Hanukkah is also called the festival of lights. Occurring during the darkest days of the year, the Hannukiah, or Hanukkah menorah brings light into our homes and into our lives. We light the Hannukiah every night for eight nights, corresponding to the eight-day rededication held by the Maccabees.

As we light the Hanukkah lamps we recall how God led the victory of the few over the many, how we regained our culture and how through faith in God we are still blessed today to be part of a great heritage. This year may seem especially dark as we defend ourselves against Covid-19. I pray we light our Hanukkah menorahs we will remember that when we stand together and pray together and hope together, we can create light and warmth to defeat the darkness.

Rabbi Steven M. Graber leads Temple Hillel of North Woodmere