Hanukkah, let the light of hope shine through

Our quest for the perfect Hanukkah gifts for our children and grandchildren takes on a new urgency this year in light of the challenges, difficulties and anxieties they face because of the Covid-19 virus. The joy of giving and the reward of seeing happy children as they unwrap their gifts is a central theme of Hanukkah. That being said let us not lose sight of the main message and lessons of Hanukkah as reflected in the heroes of this most beloved of Jewish holidays, the Maccabees. 

The first lesson transmitted to us by the Maccabees of old is resolve and commitment to cause. Our cause today, in this fractured world in which we live, reflected in the rise of right-wing extremism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism both at home and abroad, is the safety, sanctity and security of American and World Jewry. But we must do more in our own way. 

Let us start by participating more frequently and in greater numbers in our virtual services and programs. There we can gain strength and security from one another. We dare not give the “haters” a victory by distancing ourselves from our beloved house of prayer and study though it be virtual. God and science willing we will be back at our Temple in this coming year. 

Next, we must arm ourselves and arm ourselves heavily – very heavily with love – for that is what the Torah commands of us to do; to love our neighbor as ourselves; and to treat the stranger who is our neighbor and fellow countrymen who is different than us with the same respect, understanding and love as we treat each other.

Furthermore, we must show the nations of the world that we are concerned with the safety and security of our fellow Jews who live in their midst. There is no doubt that the state of Israel has changed the whole equation for the better. If God forbid Jews in any part of the World feared for their lives, they have someplace to go – they can go home to their spiritual home, the Jewish Democratic State of Israel.

We have a sacred obligation to strengthen, uphold and be Israel’s strongest advocate in the international arena. We must act with resolve in keeping ourselves, family members, community members and all those who we love to fight the deadly virus of Covid-19. How? By masking up, physical distancing and using our God-given brains to stay safe. 

The second lesson of the Maccabees that we must take to heart is to keep faith with ourselves, most especially when we encounter setbacks, obstacles and reverses in life. Let us remember that the Maccabees valiant war against the Seleucids took years. Our ancestors, in addition to their victories, had their defeats. Yet, with faith in themselves and their cause, they stayed the course and won the day.

Finally, the Maccabees teach us the importance of having faith in God and expressing that faith in one’s life. Therefore, dear friends, this Hanukkah as we light the menorah, let us find the joy in giving and receiving and take to heart the message of the Maccabees of old. In doing so, let us re-dedicate ourselves to our great nation, World Jewry, the state of Israel and this, our beloved Temple Israel, our spiritual home and connection to the Holy.

Rabbi Jay Rosenbaum leads Temple Israel of Lawrence.