The world may look on with confusion as Jews around the globe prepare for the joyful celebration of Hanukkah, a festival of lights amidst seemingly endless darkness.
"How can you celebrate," they ask, "when the world feels so bleak?"
This question has resonated deeply within me over the past three years, marked by personal tragedy and illness. And now, as we grieve the victims of the October 7th massacre and pray for the safe return of the hostages, the weight of hardship feels immense. To say these years have been difficult would be a vast understatement.
Yet, as I contemplate the immense struggles endured by the Jewish people over millennia, I find solace. From the horrors of the Babylonian Empire to the persecution of the Roman Empire and the atrocities of the Holocaust, our history is punctuated by darkness. Yet, through it all, our spirit has never been extinguished.
Instead, we have emerged stronger, fueled by a profound resilience that defies explanation. We have become doctors, lawyers, engineers, artists, activists, and leaders, forever pushing the boundaries of human achievement. We are a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit.
Tonight, as we light the first candle of Hanukkah, let us remember that each flame represents a beacon of hope piercing through the darkness. Each flame illuminates the values we hold dear – faith, family, tradition, and unwavering determination.
I ask you tonight not to dwell on the shadows, but to focus on the light. Let the flames of the Hanukkah candles awaken the inner fire within each of you. Remember, you are descended from a lineage of survivors, a people who have overcome insurmountable challenges and emerged stronger than ever before.
May the light of Hanukkah guide you through the darkness and fill your hearts with hope. May it inspire you to persevere and continue to shine brightly in a world that desperately needs your light.
Wishing you all a Hanukkah filled with peace, joy, and enduring strength.