channukah - a new view

Sometimes I really fight having my perspective shifted. Even though I'm usually very open minded, there are times when I'll go kicking and screaming when presented with a new way of looking at something I hold as true. 

Not today.  Today it was easy. (love it when that happens!)

In my last post on 'the holiday's' I mentioned that Channukah isn't a particularly important Jewish holiday, but this morning on NPR's Morning Edition, I heard this commentary by Rabbi Brad Hirschfield - an oft quoted participant in the PBS documentary 'faith and doubt at ground zero' - that provided another way of looking at this holiday, and I really liked it.

I know that not everyone will listen to the segment, so here are some key parts:

"We need Channukah this year more than we have in a long time.  It's been a year punctuated by a tsunami in South Asia, ongoing conflict in Iraq, Katrina's devastation of the Gulf Coast, and shrinking confidence in our own elected officials at home.  Now is the time to remember that great things can come at the most unexpected times and in the most unusual ways; that's what Channukah is all about. 

Channukah is important to us today not because of historical details surrounding the military victory of a rebel Jewish army seeking political and religious freedom in 165 before the common era. In the coldest, darkest time of the year, we all need a story in which a small container of oil burns longer and brighter than anyone could possibly imagine; a story in which people who know that same oil could not last more than a day decide to light it anyway.  Why?  Because they believed in the oil?  Because they believed in God?  Because they believed in themselves?  Probably a bit of each.  That's what miracles are all about.

This year, as many of us are tempted to despair by events in the world around us, we need to believe in miracles like that. 

Whether we are Jewish or not, whether we really believe in miracles or not, now is the time to remind ourselves and each other the small reservoir can hold more than we ever imagined, and allow ourselves to trust in that knowledge.  We need to remind ourselves and especially our children that inside little containers there is great stuff waiting to get out.

Whether we access these ideas through the story of a little baby born in a manger or the Channukah tale of a little vial of oil - these are big lessons which deserve to be celebrated now and throughout the year.  They remind us that there is light even when we see only darkness, love even when we feel only hate, and possibility even when we think we stand before the impossible."

Tonight when I light the candles, I'm going to put some attention on that perspective.

(maybe channukah and imagine can be the same thing.  cool.)

~                       ~                     ~                      ~                       ~                       ~

update, december 30th.  my candles from last night w/all that good vibe attached.  :)

 

Comments

[An Artist-in-Training]

I like this look at Chanukkah. Thank you for sharing, and love the pictures. Wish I thought to take pictures of our menorah, that last night is always so bright.

Take care,

Rachel

[MB]

That's beautiful Deb! Also here to wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY girl! :-)

love

MB

[maria]

This is a beautiful post, Deb.

Thanks for reminding us of the true spirit of the holiday season ... hope, possibility, dreams, connection, faith ... things we need (and that are available to us) every day of the year.

Happy Channukah!

[Kathryn]

THANK you, thank you, for posting this. I can't thank you enough. Blessings upon you.