Light these Lights
The days are getting shorter, the air colder. The growing darkness outside, the shortening of the days, seems to aim at hope itself. In this moment, when we might give up, Judaism along with many other traditions says; we will make our own light. We will kindle our own flames and remind ourselves that hope still burns in our hearts.
The hope of Judaism has always included and been bigger than a place of our own. The Hanukkah story celebrates the Maccabees freeing Israel. Today, that flame burns brightly with our renewed state amid all its challenges and blessings. Yet this is only one element of Hanukkah.
Our Rabbis teach: When Adam was created (in September) he saw that the days were getting shorter and thought it was the fault of his sin. Once the winter solstice occurred, he saw that this is simply the way of things. He ordained a festival of 8 days to celebrate the renewal of light.
Our Rabbis remind us that Hanukkah belongs to us and also to the world. It has kinship with Diwali and Christmas and Saturnalia and so many other world holidays that say: we do not give in to the dark. We are human beings of hope and we kindle lights as an inspiration to remind ourselves that hope remains.
This year we need Hanukkah as much as we ever have. We need to celebrate the victories of our people AND to remind ourselves of a kinship with all humanity. We need to remember that darkness is only the absence of light. When people lift up their hands with God we can bring light and hope into even the darkest places.
As you light candles this year, I invite you to add the following few words:
Thank you God for light and hope and renewal. As we light these lights, help us also kindle a renewed hope for the future. We proclaim that the human soul is God’s candle. Help us to be those lights and to show You the way to a redemption in which hope and love will reign supreme. Amen.
Shabbat Shalom and Happy Hanukkah,
Rabbi David Booth
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