Hanukkah - The Gift of Giving
Hanukkah is a holiday of joy and happiness - one of the most widely celebrated Jewish festive occasions. In this darkest of seasons, with its short days and long cold evenings, as we kindle our Hanukkiyot, the light we create is not merely a form of physical illumination but one of spiritual illumination as well, intended to bring added meaning and holiness into our lives.
The joy of Hanukkah is enhanced through playing games, like dreydel, and through eating special foods, like latkes. The festive nature of Hanukkah is enriched through family gatherings. Receiving gifts has also become part of our celebrations. Who among us does not like to receive gifts? Yet gifts are not limited to toys or clothing or other physical possessions. Indeed, Hanukkah teaches us that these are not the ultimate gifts.
This Hanukkah, let us focus on even greater treasures, even more precious rewards. The following guide - night by night, candle by candle - may help you to restore Hanukkah to its original luster, giving added light to our lives.
The First Night
As you light the candles of the Hanukkiyah, focus on the miracles of Hanukkah. One miracle is that the pure oil, which should have been sufficient for only one day, lasted instead for eight days. Another miracle is the victory of the few over the many. It was a miracle that there remainded in the Temple even one fragile jar, unbroken, filled with pure oil, its seal intact. Also miraculous was the faith demonstrated by our ancestors in the face of such great odds. Miracles are gifts - gifts which God gives to us. How many miracles do we witness today? In the Amidah, recited three times daily, we speak of the miracles which occur at all times, evening, morning, and afternoon. This Hanukkah, let us focus on God's most precious gifts to us, the miracles we experience each day.
The Second Night
When we think of giving a gift, we think of presenting a token of some sort to someone else. Yet sometimes it is important to give something to, or do something, for ourselves. The Maccabees inspired the Jewish people to fight for their own freedom - in effect, to give themselves the greatest gift of all. This Hanukkah, let us ask ourselves what is truly important to us and give ourselves the gift of working to accomplish these goals.
The Third Night
Historically, the miracle of Hanukkah is viewed within the context of a fight for religious freedom, with the victorious Maccabees ousting from the Temple the forces of Antiochus Epiphanes, who profaned the Temple by trying to force the Jews to offer sacrifices to heathen deities. Today, we take for granted the precious gift of religious freedom. But gifts are only valuable to the extent that they are used; otherwise, they are merely potential treasures. This is particularly true with respect to the gift - which fortunately we now have - of religious freedom. This year, let us exercise this hard-won freedom and celebrate our Jewishness so that this priceless gift will not be wasted. By beginning to live fully as Jews and participating in programs devoted to "Jewish Living Now," we can give ourselves the joy of Jewish growth.
The Fourth Night
When we light our hanukkiyot, we place them so that they are visible to those outside of our home. Pirsumey nisa, publicizing the miracle of Hanukkah, is a central element of the Hanukkah celebration. In proudly displaying our menorahs, we give others a precious gift, sharing with them our religious insights and the richness of our Jewish heritage. In publicly bearing witness to God's presence, strength, and compassion, we brighten the world with the gift of faith.
The Fifth Night
Much of Hanukkah is about sharing and cooperation. We share our lights, our food, our games. The Maccabees were victorious because they focused on cooperation, not division. We know that the Temple was destroyed because of baseless hatred. The miracle of Hanukkah, the rededication of the Temple, was made possible because of cooperation among the Jews. With this in mind, this year, give a gift that can be shared, or used in cooperation with someone else. It might be a physical gift or a shared hobby, or it might be the most precious of gifts: time spent together, whether sharing a wak, an exercise routine, or a study session.
The Sixth Night
The Maccabees fought on behalf of the Jewish people. If today we are not called upon to sacrifice our lives in battle, it is still important that each of us contribute in some way to the Jewish community. This year, give the gift of time to the community. Whether it is for your synagogue, your child's school, your federation, or any other local or national Jewish organization, there are many opportunities for you to serve as a volunteer. You can also give of yourself by attending religious services so that your local synagogue will continue to have a functioning minyan. Commit yourself tonight to the gift of volunteering.
The Seventh Night
The Torah teaches us to love the stranger and to respect the rights of others. As Hillel taught, "If I am only for myself, what am I?". The Hanukkah story, in portraying the cruelty of the Greek oppressors in their treatment of the Jews, is a case study in violation of this important precept. Hanukkah reminds us that we must be sensitive to, and resist, efforts to mistreat or isolate individuals or groups deemed "unworthy" or "alien" by other elements of society. This year, give the gift of concern and compassion to the wider community, whether working with a volunteer ambulance corps, or in a soup kitchen, or for a literacy program.
The Eighth Night
The ultimate gift is enabling others to give. One family in our Movement began a tradition in their home - giving each of their children an $18 check on the last night of Hanukkah, payable to whatever charity the children selected. This tradition spread to their children's school and beyond. This Hanukkah, teach others about the importance of sharing oneself, one's time, and one's resources with those around them.
* An additional thought: On Shabbat Hanukkah, we can take advantage of this special and sacred day to search within ourselves for our real priorities - "re-souling" ourselves to face the days ahead. Truly, a wonderful gift!
Spread the light; spread the message: Give the Gift of Giving. Happy Hanukkah!
