Holiday glow

Editorial

This Sunday evening, Jews around the world will light the first Hanukkah candle. Blessings will be recited, gifts exchanged, and families and friends will gather around tables laden with traditional delicacies - crisp latkes slathered with applesauce and sour cream, and hot jelly donuts sticky with sugar.

Spinning dreidels remind of the miraculous story, and songs retell the ancient tale of the brave Maccabees and their courageous fight for religious freedom.

At this time of year, perhaps in reaction to the consuming presence of preparations for the Christmas holidays, intensified by the glut of Christmas gifts and ornaments in shopping malls and public places, many Jewish families work hard to capture the spirit of Hanukkah in their homes.

While the inward focus of the holiday observance may ease our feelings of difference and reaffirm pride in our unique religious heritage, Hanukkah also has an important outward focus. We are taught to display our lighted hanukkiot (menorahs) in the window, where they can be seen by passersby. This light shining outward radiates the real meaning of the holiday.

How better to affirm our commitment to our Jewish past and our Jewish future than to celebrate openly and without fear?

Too, the flickering candles bringing warmth and light to the darkness of a winter night serve as a reminder that not everyone passing by has the comfort and security of home and family, that we bear responsibility for bringing light to the lives of those less fortunate than ourselves.

This year, share the joy of Hanukkah with your family - and resolve to spread the holiday light beyond your own home. Dedicate one night of gift-giving to those in need, perhaps to the Jewish Family and Children's Service holiday gift program or any other appropriate agency. Let the holiday glow illumine your family life and the lives of others.

Happy Hanukkah!

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