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| Eighth night London, ON December 2018 This photo originally shared on Instagram |
I can't help but think that this holiday is about more than a bunch of multicolored candles, potato pancakes that keep cardiologists in Bentleys, weirdly-shaped spinning tops called dreidels that introduce kids to gambling, and enough gifts to make Santa rethink Christmas.
And I can't help but think the lessons of Chanukah extend well beyond our tiny religion, that you don't have to be Jewish to appreciate what makes this holiday meaningful.
Because in my own admittedly strange world view, Chanukah has always been a metaphor for believing in miracles even when logic and facts suggest they are impossible. They aren't, and belief and drive can overcome much. It's also been about the power of the underdog, the refusal to give in to oppression and hatred and fear, the belief in where you come from, who you are, and the strength of community.
If all of these things matter to you, now you know why this holiday, my people, my community, our shared history, are so fundentally woven into who I am. And why those beliefs do - and must always - extend beyond my own world, my own community.
That light you see? It belongs to all of us, and we're all responsible for taking its lead and making it a part of who we are. Because if we don't, we all become victims, we are all at risk of suffering the unlearned lessons of history.
So are you in? More importantly, how will you start? (Hint: Share this. Like this. Comment. Weigh in. Start the movement.)
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I admit that I haven't been here at your blog in a long time. Why? Beats me. Why did I come today? Again, beats me. But this post
ReplyDeleteis wonderful, and reminded me why I used to come daily. I should start doing that again.
I was raised Catholic but have been non-practicing anything for 40+ years. Believing in the impossible is, in fact, essential to me. So many things have happened in and around me that I didn't think were possible, both good and bad. We must believe we can effect positive change, and then do something, however small and personal. I am going to link to this from my blog - and FB.