We shall light the lights of freedom amidst awareness of a growing darkness.
We recall and celebrate the right to be observant Jews the agenda of the ancient Maccabees while observing an increase of anti-Semitism in Europe and a marked attempt to delegitimate Israel.
We value the the three mitzvot that the ancient Syrian Greeks denied the Jews circumcision, Shabbat and rosh chodesh and see an attempt to ban circumcision in San Francisco, and, on the other hand, a growing awareness of the centrality of Shabbat to the Jewish mind, soul and family, and a growing observance of Jewish holidays, for which rosh chodesh is indispensable.
Chanukah this year is a time of increasing concern for the Jewish people externally, and increasing optimism for the Jewish people internally.
We should like to celebrate with only a positive awareness. If that cannot be, we may surely see the candles as the harbinger of the ultimate Jewish future of unalloyed freedom and Divine blessing.
Celebrate Chanukah at one of the many menorah lightings and parties happening!
Copyright © 2011 by the Intermountain Jewish News
