When could the symbolism of Chanukah ever have been more poignant, more profound, more necessary than now. Surely we need this miracle to cut through the darkness that seems to be folding around us as the winter draws in, as our planet warms in chilling darkness, as our nation suffers the lashings of lying tongues, as our beloved community is riven in the chill of missed connections.
May we each find courage to be the light that cuts through the darkness, that reveals the demon-faces lurking in national fracture, find windows to open so that our planet may breathe and restore, and rescue truth lying still in stories that are faked. May we find the courage of community to look into each others eyes across the chasm, so we may feel the love in our hearts that can illuminate all.
I wrote this blessing for my Jewish congregation’s Chanukah campaign – one blessing to be sent on each of the 8 nights of what is also referred to as “The Festival of Lights”. I wrote from the place of darkness that surrounds the world, our nation and my small congregation in Berkeley that is itself going through a tear that echoes the grand stage in ways that are illuminating. What I wrote was just sent, tonight being the 2nd night of Chanukah. I edited this version to be more palatable to the large audience it was sent to. The original is offered here as a greeting for this season of darkness to my friends and readers.
