December 2019

   “The Power of Light” is one of eight stories for Chanukah, in a collection with the same title, by Isaac Bashevis Singer.  The stories, which are appropriate for all ages, teach the miraculous power of light over evil through Singer’s genius.
 
   Whether Chanukah comes early or late, it really comes just on time every year according to the lunar calendar.  While the dates may change on the secular calendar, the message of Chanukah remains the same.  We celebrate eight days of joy and light, finding strength and hope during the darkest time of the year.  We are struck by the miracle of the tiny cruise of oil, by the strength of the Maccabees, and by the lesson of the prophet Zachariah (4:6) which we read in the Haftarah on Shabbat Chanukah: “Not by might, not by power, but by God’s spirit” (and Debbie Friedman adds “shall we all live in peace”).
 
   There are many references to “light” in our liturgy, and we explored some of those with our guest Cantor Sandy Horowitz last month.  We sang “Bring in the Light,” “Or Zarua La’tsadik, Light is Stored for the Righteous,” and “Roll into Dark, Roll into Light,” to mention a few.  She and I presented a spirited debate by two famous Rabbis, Hillel and Shammai, about the correct way to light the menorah.   
 
   May the powerful lights and miracles of Chanukah comfort and inspire you. According to the Talmud, “The Divine Presence does not rest upon humans through gloom.”  Try to find a spark of brightness amidst all the darkness this month.  The best way to struggle against darkness is to bask in the light of God.  Let the candles of your menorah shine in the window for others to see.  In bringing light to others, we can all shine in God’s reflected glory.  Happy Chanukah!  And don’t worry if you spell it Chanukah, Hanukkah, or any other way, each is correct!  After all, it’s Hebrew!  
 

L’hitra’ot, until next time!