Tonight begins the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. While traditionally a minor Jewish holiday with scant mention in Jewish religious texts before the 20th century, it has become popularized by its timing with Christmas and gift giving. However, the message of Chanukkah is as important today as ever. What happened at the time of Chanukah was that the powers in charge at the time were doing everything they could to get the Jews to assimilate and not be themselves. “Be more like us!” they demanded. Ultimately, a small band of courageous Jews stood against the melting pot theory of life and instead chose to remain their unique selves. To bring about a society where everyone is allowed to express and practice their individual and group talents and beliefs. The reason we celebrate for eight days, though, has little to do with the miracle of that victory and everything to do with the candles we light on Chanukkah. After the Jews’ victory over their assimilators and abusers, they went to light the candelabra in the holy Temple in Jerusalem. There remained only enough oil to burn light for one day, but instead it is told that the oil miraculously lasted to give light for eight days. There is something about a candle that makes it more spiritual than physical. When we do something purely physical, that physical thing diminishes. The more money we spend, the less we have. The more we drive, the less gas we have in our cars. The more food we eat, the more we have to give Whole Foods more money. But spiritual endeavors have the opposite impact. They actually grow instead of diminish. When you share wisdom, the listener comes out wiser. When you love someone, you and the recipient have more love and even become more loving. This is a deeper meaning of the candles on Chanukah. When you use one lit candle to light another like we do on Hanukah each night, the first candle does not lose its glow and diminish. Quite the contrary, the original candle remains bright and the two candles ultimately increase the total light in the room. Like the candles, the more kindness and love we share the more kindness and goodness society will have. So during this holiday season, and maybe even after, let’s spread more kindness and love. Like the candle light, it can only lead to more kindness and love, which our world is sadly needing right now more than ever. Thanks Jeff for sharing & happy 1st night to all those who celebrate.
Posted on: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 17:47:00 +0000
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