8+7+6+5+4+3+2+1+8* = ?
The answer is 44. It takes 44 candles to fully share in the
ritual of the Chanukah menorah. 44 times we light a distinct flame to make
known the miracle of Jewish survival against all odds. I always try to get
really nice candles – bees wax or hand dipped – to make the mitzvah more
beautiful and to spread the joy more deeply. Sure the standard box has some
tradition, but I really like the way special candles make me feel.
But this year, I am going to do something different, something
to connect me with Israel
and their celebration of Chanukah.
In the dark days of Hellenistic rule over the land of Israel, when the centers of Jewish life
had been desecrated and turned into licentious and idolatrous symbols of Greek
domination, a small group of young people stood up against the tide and brought
about a victory and a resurgent pride in Jewishness. I often think of how
different the outcome would have been without the heartfelt devotion of those
brave few. If the bright and illuminating spirit of life and freedom had not
burned in their young minds, and led them to face hardship and enemies with
courage. If they had given in to the forgetfulness that the Greeks hoped would
lead to the end of Judaism, and an assimilation of the Jews into “pop” culture.
I think of the dedicated Zionists and Israeli soldiers and citizens who have
struggled for more than half a century against hostile enemies set on our
destruction, and how different it would have been had they not had the spirit
of Chanukah in them as they stood like Macabees in modern times.
We still struggle to maintain our distinct and beautiful
tradition against the tide of culture, and we still struggle in the land of Israel for our very survival. There are
still destructive and immoral forces in our own nation, and resilient enemies
on our borders in Eretz Yisrael. Perhaps our struggles are not so dissimilar?
Perhaps the distance between us and our brothers and sisters in Israel is not
so insurmountable? We are both struggling. And in the dark of this winter, we
will each light 44 candles on the same nights to build a stairway of
inspiration, resistance, dedication, self-improvement, and community renewal.
This year whatever candles you might be using, consider
using special blue and white candles for at least one night, to acknowledge the
continuing struggle for survival, and the need to remain victorious against the
tide of forgetfulness.
* this last 8 is for the shammash candle used each night to
light the others.
