As the holiday season approaches, it is only natural to reflect on another year gone by.  But, this year, for many Jews around the world, these are not happy reflections.  October 7th, 2023 brought with it another attack on the Jewish people.  Something, unfortunately, that is not a foreign concept over the years.

As we light the Hanukkah candles this year, it is important to think about why Hanukkah is the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem.  Once again, enemies wanted to destroy the temple and the Jewish people, but the Jews persevered.   On Hanukkah, we reflect on the oil burning in the original temple's menorah.   While there was only enough oil to last one for one day,  the oil lasted for eight.  Each year, we celebrate Hanukkah for eight nights - each night and each candle on the menorah represents another miraculous night that the oil burned; the tallest candle, the Shamash, is also light to help light the other candles. 

The Jewish people have a history of keeping hope alive during tragic times.  The Holocaust happened in the not so distant past.  Again, the goal was to destroy the Jewish people.

These days, it is hard to reflect on Hanukkah and celebrate a Jewish holiday without thinking about Israel and October 7th.   But, this year, I am not so sure about miracles.   We hope our prayers of peace are listened to; that the hostages will be returned safely to their families; and that the Jewish people can live safely in their land.  

As we light the menorah, we remember that while it seemed like there was only oil for one night, the oil stayed burning for eight days.  The Jewish people will never let the hatred of their enemies dim their light; we will hold on for longer than expected and continue to have hope, even as it seems like the light is dimming.