Hanukkah - Rekindling the Eternal Light

Hanukkah is a wonderful holiday, filled with light and with important lessons. From Hanukkah we learn about heroism and the right to be different, about faith and about miracles.

Today - in a flurry of winter gift-giving - Hanukkah has lost some of its spiritual glow. In order to rekindle its drama, each of us must think about what Hanukkah means and resolve to structure our lives so that our actions reflect the lessons we learn from this wondrous story.

The following guide - candle by candle - may help you restore Hanukkah to its original luster, lighting up your own life at the same time.

As you light candles the first night, ask yourself: Do I know any modern-day Maccabees?

Is there anyone - in your home, your school, your workplace, or your congregation - who works to actively defend not only his or her own rights but those of other groups? Consider how the story of Hanukkah highlights the notion of freedom, identity and faith, and identify the ways in which your modern-day Maccabee demonstrates an appreciation of these three concepts.

Resolve not to be still in the face of injustice but to speak out - whether at a public forum, in school, or through letters to legislators or local newspapers - in defense of those groups of individuals suffering from oppression or unfair treatment. Think about modern-day heroes or heroines. What would Judah Maccabee do if he were living today? Would you have done what he did? What are you doing in your own life to affirm your Jewish identity?
As you light candles the second night, ask yourself: What does it mean to be part of a people? As a Jew, what special responsibilities do I have?

Very often, we fall into the habit of thinking only about ourselves and our own problems. We lose track of the fact that we are part of a proud people, with a distinguished heritage. We may also neglect our spiritual lives, assuming that others will preserve our religious teachings for us.

Get a book from your synagogue library or public library that contains the story of Hanukkah and read it anew. Ask yourself why this story is important to the Jewish people. Consider ways in which you can help perpetuate Jewish traditions important to you.
As you light candles the third night, ask yourself: Have I "proclaimed the mircale," helping someone understand the true meaning of this holiday?

It is important to realize that Hanukkah represents more than just a military victory. It is also represents a spiritual triumph, combining a dramatic example of the Jews' faith in God and a concrete example of God's love for the Jewish people. You can use this opportunity to heighten your spiritual awareness and to share your new insights with others. When you display your menorah in a highly visible location, you not only demonstrate your pride in your heritage but you also sensitize your family, friends and neighbors to the spiritual aspects of this holiday.

Learn more about the symbolism of the hanukkiyah (menorah). If you have not done so alraedy, design your own hanukkiyah - whether with small tiles, glass tubes, ceramics, or any other fire-proof materials - and display it proudly when you light it. Even better... make a second menorah and give it to someone who does not have one.
As you light candles the fourth night, ask yourself: Have I witnessed any miracled in my own lifetime?

Miracles did not end with the parting of the Re(e)d Sea, nor with the oil that, the Talmud relates, burned for eight days. In our generation, we have witnessed the miracles of the rebirth of the State of Israel. The regular changing of seasons is a miracle; life itself is a miracle.

Ask your friends to name some miracles in their own lives, and have them describe the kidns of miracles they would bring about if they could. Consult Siddur Sim Shalom for the brakhot to recite on special occasions, such as when you see a rainbow. Consider how God continues to play a role in our daily lives.
As you light candles the fifth night, ask yourself: Have I given tzedakah today?

Giving tzedakah is not optional: It is an obligation. As we learn from the Torah, each of us must take an active role in providing for the welfare of those less fortunate than ourselves. Not only should we give money but, wherever possible, we should give of ourselves, assisting worthwhile community organizations that rely on volunteers.

Request that family members donate to a charity of your choice rather than buying you a Hanukkah prsent. If gift-giving is your tradition, be sure to buy extra presents to distribute at a homeless shelter, a facility for battered women, or an organization that serves the needs of underprivileged children.
As you light candles the sixth night, ask yourself: Have I done anything today to improve the world?

Our Rabbis teach us that we must strive to complete those tasks unfinished by God. We must involve ourselves in tikkun olam - repairing the world. While projects falling under this heading are virtually endless, you can select one particular area and consider ways in which you can make a meaningful contribution.

For example: If you select "improving the environment" as your goal, you can begin your efforts at home. Resolve that you will recycle paper products, glass, and aluminum tins, even where your community does not require it. You might also encourage your synagogue to recycle its waste products. Another area to consider is ethical behavior. Resolve to speak out against discrimination and harrassment of all kinds - whether based on race, sex, or age- and suggest to your con gregation that forums be held to discuss these problems.
As you light candles the seventh night, ask yourself: Have I brought happiness into someone's life today?

Loneliness is one of the most debilitating diseases in society today, yet it is easily "curable". Sometimes, a simple phone call is all it takes to bring someone joy. And don't forget, just as we appreciate a kind word of an expression of encouragement, so too do those around us. It's so easy to give.

Suggest to your congregation (through the rabbi, president, or social action committee) that it organize a home visitation service through which synagogue members visit shut-ins. Ask your rabbi to help identify those people who would live visits, or contact a local social service agency. Perhaps you can make potato latkes or some other special food and bring it to a hospital or nursing home. You might also learn some Hanukkah songs to share with those you visit.
As you light candles the eight night, ask yourself: What questions will I ask myself next year?

Learning and growing are very important parts of Judaism, and it is often more important to strive for the right questions that to memorize standard answers. Resolve to learn more about Judaism, so that next year, your Hanukkah questions will reflect a higher level of Jewish awareness.

Happy Hanukkah!