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More Than Just Eight Crazy Nights
December 2006
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Photo by
Chris Gaines |
This article, written in Rabbi Ettman's prose poetry style,
will also appear in the United Jewish Federation winter edition of Chai Times.
I love the menorah.
There is such symmetry;
Such simplicity and such beauty.
Eight stems surrounding a center Each filled with great history.
Laden with great stories invoking Wonderful memories
Of families sitting around dining Room tables eating latkes…
Laughing and sharing presents
And eating way too many jelly donuts.
Telling stories about Chanukah past…
Chanukah present and craving the bright possibility
Of Chanukah's future…
As the menorah's candles dance
In syncopated rhythms…
But the menorah is not just about Chanukah.
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It is actually a very important symbol
For all of us in Judaism.
The menorah is not just a symbol or artifact that helps Us remember that a great miracle happened, but is Also a symbol for us as a people.
And the reason why,
It seems is really so simple and so beautiful.
Because of its name…
Because it radiates light and illuminates darkness.
Which is really important for us now
As our daylight wanes.
Menorah literally means "of the light" or "from the light."
It is interesting to think that the name is just "light" Since after all, that is what is being cast
And shed when lit.
From this name we begin to understand
What all of this means to us.
The great kabbalist, Rabbi Issac Luria explains that,
In fact, the flames do shine "from the lights" shining
Towards the center itself.
Towards the center of our religion itself.
Towards our Torah,
Towards our family,
Towards our community.
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Each branch of the menorah becomes something that we do
Which illuminates the center of our religion and our family
And ultimately our lives.
It says in a collection of midrashim (Numbers Rabbah),
"As I shined a light on Israel…let them shine a light on me."
Reminding us of this very interesting reality of the menorah…
That when we live by the values of Torah and our religion,
We can make God manifest in the world.
And realize the words of Isaiah the prophet
And become a light unto the nations.
Perhaps the reason the menorah is so important
Is based on the manifold meanings it embodies.
And this time of year serves for us as a reminder of this fact.
We are supposed to be exemplars.
We are supposed to be role models.
We are a "light unto the nations."
Because we radiate our ideals forward
And shed light where darkness consumes.
Acting in examples we hope others will follow.
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Doing good and pursuing justice and bringing light
Where darkness seems to consume.
Our menorahs themselves remind us
Of this obligation and responsibility.
And this holiday season is a great time to start.
We can provide comfort to the bereaved.
We can visit the sick and we can counsel the confused.
We can even tell of good things that happened in our day,
Rather than complain about the stresses.
Donate food and spend time helping others
We can give clothes or toys to charity so needs can be met,
And all can be joyous.
And most importantly,
We can teach our children these same values
So that they will inherit our heritage
And continue this chain of reflection.
The menorah is truly our reminder
That we should live like we are a light unto the nations
And exemplars of our heritage.
This is one of the reasons we increase the flame
As the holiday progresses.
To show how we grow when we influence and help others.
Chanukah is not the only time
We should think about the symbol of the menorah.
The menorah is for all time.
Chanukah is just our reminder.
And may it be for all of us this year.
And may each of us find meaning in the eight branches as
We light our candles and celebrate together.
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