|
December 7, 2001/Kislev 22, 5762, Vol. 54, No. 13
Hanukkah illumines darkness
In the year 167 C.E., an enemy rose up - the Seleucid Greeks led by Antiochus Epiphanes - to challenge the core ideals, values and practices of our people. An expression relates, "the more things change, the more they stay the same." Almost 2,200 years since the Maccabees' victory, another foe has risen up and targeted the core ideals, values and practices not only of our people, but also of western society. Once again, we are rising to the task, armed with unique spirit and faith in our way of life. Centuries ago, the Rabbis asked, "What is the miracle of Hanukkah?" Each generation has an answer. The miracle for us is that Hanukkah's endearing and enduring lessons can be embraced not only by Jewish Americans, but by all Americans. Hanukkah teaches the power of resilience and persistence against a common foe; the importance of reaching out to our fellow human beings; the need to have faith in ourselves, our way of life, democratic ideals and religious teachings. And Hanukkah teaches that heroes still exist. A tradition relates that every generation has an Amalek, a dreaded enemy. Each time Amalek rises up, spreading darkness in his midst, we need light to illuminate our lives. The following articles provide a bit of brightness and illumination, a mixture of somber and light-hearted messages. Light is also provided by our Hanukkiyot - our nine-candled menorahs. May their collective light grow, filling our homes, neighborhood and nation with the warmth of encouragement, reassurance and confidence, illuminating the way to a tomorrow filled with understanding, respect and cooperation.
|
||||||||||
