Shalom Aleichem, Greetings of peace and wellbeing to you all. And Happy Chanukah! Here are a few words during this Chanukah time. I’ll start with the land N’varech Chai Olamim Let us bless the Life of the World. Al ha-aretz hemda v’tova, and this beautiful good earth which sustains us. Sheh nikra (She is called) Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫʼ land, a nation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. May those of us who are visitors, colonial settlers, acknowledge the harms we participate in, take part in Teshuvah, her repair, and learn to reside here as good guests. (Rabbi Lynn Gotlieb)
Tonight we light the 6th candle of Chanukah. The Hebrew word Chanukah means dedication. So, let’s consider what we are committed to this year. On Chanukah we remember the ancient Nissim, miracles, where one small pot of oil burned for 8 days. Let us also consider the miracles we must conjure in our own time. The Rabbis chose the words of the prophet Zechariah to be Chanukah’s central message. Upon seeing a vision of a menorah In his dream, Zechariah hears God say, “Lo v’chayil v’lo v’cho-ach, Ki im B’ruchi”. “Not by military might, nor by power, but by My spirit” (Zechariah 4:6)
This message could not be more apt for this moment where we face growing hatred and violence in this country, in Israel and Palestine and the world over. For me, as a human, as a Jew and a Jewish leader I am recommitting to co-creating the miracle of a world beyond military and colonial violence here at home, and in Israel and Palestine. I am recommitting to be a part of resistance to empire and a support for liberatory and life giving ways of being.
So, on this Chanukah when you light the candles and say the blessings (gender neutral Hebrew provided by Rabbi Lynn Gotlieb) may we look inward and consider what we want to recommit ourselves to as individuals, and as a community. What are we dedicating these candles to?
Bruche Ateh Shekhinah Elot’heinu Ruach ha Olam asher kidshatnu bmitzvoteihe vetzivatnu l’hadlik ner Shel Chanukah
Let us give thanks to our ancestors who passed on the traditions of kindling light for 8 days during the darkest time of the year.
Bruche ateh Shekhinah Elot’heinu Ruach ha Olam, she asteh nisim l’kodmeinu ba – yamim ha-heimen baz’man hazeh
Blessed are you, giver of life, who conjured miracles through our ancestors
For me, May these lights be dedicated to a Ceasefire and end the horrors, the nightmare, the continued destruction of schools, hospitals, whole neighborhoods and families, targeting of journalists, the bombs, the cutting off of aid in Gaza. The violence, killing and destruction the Israeli government is inflicting on the West Bank. May these lights be dedicated to bringing the hostages home, and ease the fear, terror and pain Israelis are feeling.
May this year’s lights bring an end to the violence in Ithaca, in the US, Syria, in Haiti, Sudan, Ukraine and so much more. May this year’s miracle bring safety and wellbeing for refugee and undocumented people here. May this year’s miracle bring an end to violence against womyn, trans folks, queer people, Black, brown and indigenous peoples. May this year’s miracle free the people in our prisons and detention centers. May this year’s miracle cast a spell of protection and safety around all the peoples that will be targeted with violence by the incoming administration. May we each be a part of co creating this year’s miracle. May we tend to each other’s safety and well being. As Rabbi Lynn Gotleib says, this year, may all of us be in the light. I look forward to seeing you all in the new year!!!!
In Spirit Justice and Community
Michael
P.s. Here are some Chanukah resources beyond Militarism and Colonialism
Rabbis 4 Ceasefire Chanukah 5785 Candle Lighting Companion
Rewriting Hanooka with Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb (Talk on Youtube 52 min)
Hanukkah Book: eAll Of Us In The Light by Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb (Available on Pushcart Judaism)
This Chanukah Is a Time for Palestine Solidarity, From Fasting to Public Disruption by Rabbi Brian Walt (Short Article 2023)
Not by Might by Ismar Schorsch (article)