Hanukkah: Shining Light in Dark Times
Hanukkah: A Festival of Lights in a Time of Deep Darkness
From Antiochus to Auschwitz, from Hitler to Hamas, the deep and deadly darkness falls upon the Jewish people. Yet the light glows on, as it will tonight.
For it is Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights that recalls the miracle of the lamps that burned for eight days when there was not enough consecrated oil for them to do so — a legend from the days when the Maccabees took back Jerusalem from the Seleucid King Antiochus IV back in 164 B.C. Days long gone, and yet perhaps not, when Jewish people had to fight for whatever they wished to hold of this Earth. For generations, ritual and remembrance have brought families together to celebrate their heritage and thank God for their blessings.
This year, Hanukkah comes on the day a few — a very few — recall the horror of Pearl Harbor, as if to remind us that the war between good and evil that roiled the world in World War II will never end.
For this year, claws of anti-Semitism have gouged an indelible mark of death the world has not seen since the days of Hanukkah 1945 when emaciated skeletal survivors with camp tattoos stark against the pallor of their skin gathered with other survivors of the Holocaust to hope that never again would being Jewish carry a death sentence; that some place would be safe.
Amid hate running wild, as families gather to recite ancient blessings, some will be missing.
Noya Dan was 12. She pictured herself looking like Harry Potter, battled whatever prejudice goes along with the word autism, and lived a life of promise until Hamas came to her kibbutz to kill. They found her days after the massacres, along with her grandmother Carmela, who was 80, according to the Times of Israel.
Noya Dan, 12. Kidnapped and killed by Hamas. May her memory be a blessing. pic.twitter.com/pcJRlEem84
— Ben Savage (@BenSavage) November 19, 2023
Noya left behind a voice message. Last words.
“Mom, there was a big boom at the door that scared me. All the windows in Grandma’s house were broken at the entrance. Because there was another boom, there are many broken windows. Mommy… I’m scared,” she said.
No more. The end.
Aner Shapira, 22, had been at the Tribe of Nova music festival. As Hamas came to kill, the off-duty soldier hurled back grenades to protect those who took refuge in a shelter because, to Hamas, more than 250 dead innocents were not enough.
WARNING: The following video contains graphic violence that some viewers may find disturbing.
Aner Shapira eventually died of wounds sustained while holding off the terrorists, as he fought to save the lives of his fellow party-goers. Some of those he shielded survived the shelter attack to tell his heroic story.
May his memory be a blessing. pic.twitter.com/uszpZ99WAb— Kilkenny Friends of Israel (@KilkennyOf) November 18, 2023
How can Hanukkah be a call to action against hatred and intolerance?
R, her father, and her 9-year-old brother, all murdered in cold blood. Noya’s light was extinguished, but her memory burns on in the hearts of those who loved her.
During this dark time, Hanukkah brings a much-needed glimmer of hope. It is a time when families come together, not only to light candles and exchange gifts, but to reaffirm their resilience and determination to keep their traditions alive. The menorah, with its eight candles, stands as a symbol of resistance and perseverance, reminding us that even in the face of unimaginable darkness, the light can never be fully extinguished.
But Hanukkah is not only a commemoration of the past; it is a call to action in the present. It is a call to stand up against the forces of hatred and intolerance that seek to destroy the Jewish people. It is a call to educate others about the history and struggles of the Jewish community, and to promote understanding and acceptance. It is a call to support organizations that work tirelessly to combat anti-Semitism and ensure the safety and well-being of Jewish individuals around the world.
As we light the menorah this Hanukkah, let us also remember those who are not here to celebrate with us. Let us remember the millions who perished in the Holocaust, the victims of hate crimes, and all those who have lost their lives simply because they were Jewish. Let their memory inspire us to be a force for good, to continue their fight for justice and equality.
In the midst of the darkness that surrounds us, Hanukkah reminds us that even a small flicker of light can dispel the greatest shadows. It reminds us of the power of hope, faith, and unity. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we are not alone.
So, as the candles of the menorah burn brightly, let us come together as a global community to stand against anti-Semitism and all forms of hatred. Let us use this festival of lights to ignite a passion within us to create a world where the Jewish people, and all people, can live without fear of persecution.
Hanukkah teaches us that the light will always prevail over darkness. It is a festival of hope, resilience, and triumph. In this time of deep darkness, let us hold onto the light of Hanukkah and let it guide us towards a brighter and more compassionate future.
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