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What is the real reason to celebrate Hanukkah? What makes it really meaningful? We celebrate the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabees defeated the Greeks. The four sides of Dreidel - Nun, Gimmel, Hey, Shin announce: Nes Gadol Haya Sham (Great miracle happened there). What was the miracle? Was it a military victory or rebellion?
The Rabbis established the Hanukkah celebration just one year after the rededication of the Temple in 165 BCE. Rabbis really did not view this battle as a war of necessity. The Maccabean revolt was not a response to a physical threat to people. Yes, the Syrian Greeks prohibited Jews to study Torah, but the people’s existence was not threatened like it was, for example, during Purim.
It was really a miracle of the spirit. The prayer of Amidah says: “Your children came and purified the Temple...and kindled lights in the courtyards of Your Holy place. And they established these eight days of Hanukkah in order to give thanks and praise to Your great name”...The story is pointing not to a victory, but to a spiritual renewal. Our spirits were shaken during this pandemic time, however we did not give up. “Not by might, not by power, but by spirit alone!” Our Children’s Choir is singing in person! Our children can be vaccinated too - it is a miracle! Our adult choir is singing in person, yeah, another miracle!!
Our PTS community is a miracle as each and everyone of you has kept the spirit and shared your lights virtually. Keeping our community together throughout the pandemic became a true miracle for me. Of course, as a cantor, I believe that music creates a sense of belonging and participation. It is an antidote to the growing alienation and isolation in society in general – even more so when we were asked to actively practice social distancing. In the face of uncertainty and panic, music is a social balm for soothing anxiety, enhancing community connections and acting in defiance of a threat to community spirit.
It was a miracle how our congregants held the spirit high during the pandemic. It is a miracle that our people did many out-of-the-box things to prepare our community for the High Holy Days, B’nai Mitzvah services and many more! All these virtual experiences reached out to the hearts of the whole community and brought much joy and laughter in the difficult times.
During the Coronavirus crisis, community support has evolved. For me - from a series of spontaneous singing and organized offerings on Zoom, to creating a communal choir and videos of all kinds. I believe that congregational music helped people to cope in times of crisis: providing personal and social development, mental health, and community strength and harmony. When we bring our intention to the reason why we celebrate Hanukkah, we have the opportunity to learn and to open our hearts and minds. That very moment when Maccabees suspended doubt, they took action despite the odds, and believed in the miracle of spirit.
By putting your Menorah in your window, you will become a true Maccabi and you will bring up the light into the world. Bayamim hahem bazman hazeh (In these days in this time) you will be bringing the miracles from the days of old to this very day. By coming to our Shabbat Hanukkah celebration in the parking lot, you will bring up the light to your own families, your neighbors, your extended family of PTS. It is time for another miracle - to be back together in person!!!
Please join us for Hanukkah Shabbat Experience Service on Friday, December 3 at 5:30 pm in the parking lot. We will sing together with our Choirs. Please bring your menorah, and most importantly bring you ruah (spirit) with you!
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