The last two months have been so challenging. The recent horrific terror attacks in Israel on Oct. 7 was followed by a war in Israel and Gaza, leaving us all reeling and unmoored. The public face of evil has reared its ugly face all across the globe even here in the South Bay.
We hope and pray that the people responsible for the brutal senseless attacks will be stopped so they can never be repeated.
We wonder how we counter this evil that has been unleashed around the world? How can we protect ourselves and our loved ones and insure that we eradicate such evil? How can we inspire people to love and care for one another regardless of race, religion or ethnicity? How can we stop the horrific violence and hatred?
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On Thursday evening, December 7, we begin celebrating the 8-day festival of Chanukah, the Festival of Lights. Chanukah, recalls the victory—more than 2100 years ago—of a militarily weak but spiritually strong Jewish people over the mighty forces of a ruthless enemy that overran the Holy Land and threatened to engulf Israel and its people in darkness.
Following, the miraculous victory, the Jews restored the Holy Temple in Jerusalem that had been desecrated. They celebrated the rededication of the Temple by kindling the Menorah which had been desecrated and extinguished by our enemy.
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To commemorate the miracle, Chanukah, is celebrated annually by lighting the Chanukah Menorah in public and in our homes as a symbol of triumph, a message of freedom over oppression and light over darkness.
It is a timely and reassuring message especially now when the forces of darkness are ever present. The Menorah reverberates its message thought the world; that darkness is not chased away by brooms and sticks, but by light. Turn on the light and darkness will evaporate and disappear. Our sages said, “A little light expels a lot of darkness.”
When we are faced with darkness, Chanukah teaches us that our response must be to light up our surroundings. We can spend our lives trying to fight the darkness with force, trying to push it away. But it is not enough! We also need to focus on illuminating our surroundings. When we add light, the darkness disappears, it just fades in the face of light.
We may not have the power to transform the world overnight. It will not be easy to stop terrorism or end antisemitism and other forms of bigotry. Yet, as we light the Chanukah Lights at home or in public large Menorah Lightings, we are reminded that each candle and every bit of light dispels darkness.
We can also light up the world through small acts of kindness. Share an encouraging word, help someone in need, show empathy to someone struggling. Each act is another candle shining brightly.
On Chanukah, we start by lighting one Chanukah candle on the first night and then we add an additional Chanukah candle each night. In the same way, our force for good begins with a single good action, a small light, but it does not stop there. The light spreads, kindling further flames as it grows, conquering one darkness after the next. Slowly, all of our good deeds add up until they start making a noticeable positive impact on ourselves and the world around us.
Join me on Sunday, December 10 at 3:30pm, to light up the darkness and show support for Israel at the Hermosa Beach Pier, where we will be lighting a giant menorah and have a massive gelt drop with live entertainment, latkes, doughnuts, gifts for the children and much more. Details at RSVP at jccmb.com/Chanukah
Happy Chanukah
Rabbi Yossi Mintz
rabbiyossi@jccmb.com
