First light, Evening of December 7th

Darkness is defeat and light is victory against our oppressors, persecutors, and contemporary antisemites in all their forms. “Light in the darkness” can be a meaningful metaphor, but it fails if it’s only a metaphor. Yes, increasing lights on each night are about increasing hope and holiness, but this year’s Chanukah lights is exceptional as history repeats itself. Chanukah lights, in addition to being part of the great miracle story about oil that lasted eight days, represent Judaism’s victory over Hellenism and assimilation. A small band of Jewish soldiers called the Maccabees, defeated the Syrian-Greeks. They cleared out pagan idols, rededicated the Temple for Jewish worship, and persevered as Jews. Their story is told proudly and Judah Maccabee is a Jewish hero in every generation.

From “Gates of Prayer,” page 642, which was published in 1975, by the CCAR Press, a reading reflects Jewish life when it was still reeling from the Holocaust and the 1967 and 1973 wars in Israel. Fifty-years later, we’re facing our own horrific war and dark times. But rather than just repeat history, let’s also learn from it and the inspiration of generations past who recalled Judah Maccabee and his band of heroes.  

The lights of Chanukah are a symbol of our joy. In times of darkness, our ancestors had the courage to struggle for freedom: freedom to be themselves, freedom to worship in their own way. Theirs was a victory of the weak over the strong, the few over the many, and the righteous over the arrogant. It was a victory for all ages and all peoples.

Within living memory, our people was plunged into deepest darkness. But we endured; the light of faith still burns brightly, and once again we see kindled the flame of freedom. Our people Israel has survived all who sought to destroy us. Now, through love and self-sacrifice, we labor to renew our life.

Let the lights we kindle shine forth for the world. May they illumine our lives even as they fill us with gratitude that our faith has been saved from extinction time and again.

Share this reading from “Gates of Prayer” with your family and friends. In this season of darkness and this time of rabid antisemitism, our lights are more than hopeful glows; they are history’s beacon that lights our way with enduring faith, courage, and perseverance. 

On December 7^th, light the first candle, and on December 8^th, come for our beautiful Shabbat Chanukah in Wolff-Toomim Hall at 6:30pm. Bring your menorah to light with your family, and we’ll all light the Maltz Menorah, together. Lots of latkes and jelly donuts for everyone will be waiting for you at our delicious Oneg Shabbat.

From darkness to light, from weakness to strength, for fear to faith.

Happy Chanukah!