To Light Another Light by Paulette Gindler-Bishop

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“Keep your flame lit, and you will never feel darkness.”   - J. Parker

On Sunday, Jews around the world will begin the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah. Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, a minor holiday which is not commanded by scripture, celebrates the victory, in 164 BCE of armed Jewish rebels led by Judah Maccabe who were victorious over the army of the Syrian Antiochus IV. Against all odds, the badly outnumbered Jewish freedom fighters slew the Syrians and recaptured the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Hanukkah, which means “dedication,” commemorates the rededication of the Temple after the revolt, when the ner tamid, or eternal flame was relit. During the eight nights of Hanukkah, a candle of the menorah is lit each evening until the entire menorah is lit on the final evening. 

Contrary to what many people believe, Hanukkah is not Jewish Christmas; it is a mere coincidence that the two holidays occur around the same time. Giving Hanukkah presents is a uniquely American tradition which began, in part, as Jewish immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries wanted to fit in with their Christian neighbors. It is somewhat ironic that a holiday which celebrates a victory over assimilation has itself become assimilated into American culture!

Since 2016 there has been a steep uptick of anti-semitism in the United States. There have been massacres at synagogues in Pittsburgh and Poway and just last week at a kosher supermarket in New Jersey. Jews have been beaten and synagogues vandalized. In light of recent events, some people are understandably reluctant to place a menorah in their window, even though we are to display it where the public can see it. It seems to me that saying, “Here I am. I am Jewish and proud,” is even more important now. We need to celebrate our identity rather than hide it in fear. We must be proud to be who we are and show people that we are still here and not going anywhere. As Rabbi Jonathan Sacks wrote, “There always were two ways to live in a world that is often dark and full of tears. We can curse the darkness or we can light a light... a little light drives out much darkness.” Let’s use the flames of our faith tradition to light a candle in someone else’s life. When we share our faith with one another, it does not diminish it but rather, as the Talmudist said, “When it comes to spiritual goods as opposed to material goods, the more I share, the more I have. If I share my knowledge, or faith, or love with others, I won’t have less; I may even have more.” 

Chag Hanukkah Sameach! Happy Hanukkah!  May the lights of Hanukkah usher in a better world for all humankind, and may we all help light up the world.

Comments

  1. Ann HaydenDecember 22, 2019 at 11:35 AM

    Thank you, Paulette. Yes may the Festival of Lights celebrated by our Jewish brothers and sisters around the world be a source of bright energy for peace among all peoples.

    ReplyDelete

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