The Challenges of Hanukkah 2023

 

Out of respect for the Jewish community we have a menorah which gets pulled out each year, along with our Christmas decorations. When we were in Israel in April of this year Ruth's sister searched out some new candles for us -- they can be a challenge to find. We've learned to be watchful because Hanukkah tends to hop around the calendar -- in 2024 it begins on Christmas Day -- but this year it commenced last evening. 

Hanukkah is a lesser Jewish festival but the lighting of the menorah can be quite meaningful, especially as we approach the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. While it seems like a cozy commemoration of the miracle of light for the temple it did follow the military defeat of the ruling Greeks by Jewish resistance fighters in 165 BCE. 

                                                                             Mundy Menorah

This year Hanukkah has become the focal point of tension in many communities for a variety of reasons. Some Jewish faith communities are illuminating their exterior menorahs despite disturbing acts of anti-semiticism which have spread like cancer in response to the Israel-Gaza conflict. In several centres the menorah has not been erected in public places or civic leaders have chosen not to attend events because this year's Hanukkah has been connected to support for Israel's invasion of Gaza. 

Some Jews won't be displaying menorahs in the windows of their homes because of the fear of reprisal. Honestly. it's a mess and we should be saddened, not only because these eight days have become the unexpected focus of controversy but because of the terrible conflict which has resulted in the deaths of so many innocent people in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank. This is darkness rather than light. 

As Jews move through Hanukkah this year we can pray for the freedom of religious expression and celebration in this country, and the safety of Jews as they gather. We can also pray for the end of a conflict which has spiralled downward into senseless violence with ripples of anger and prejudice around the world. 

Perhaps the cartoons from the New Yorker will offer the light of levity to this perplexing moment in history. 

During the next week of Hanukkah I'll share a couple of what I think are thoughtful reflections and suggestions for the season from different sources.