Dear all,
Chanukkah….
Growing up, it was the biggest, most awesome Jewish holiday in the world. Fun food, fun music, fun games, family, presents…. It was so the opposite of so many other observances.
But then, at some point, I was told that in the whole scheme of things, Chanukkah is really a minor festival. It’s big only because of Christmas, which is at the same season.
But this rational …. It overlooks a major, major concept….
Chanukkah is one of the only opportunities where Jews really and truly feel our identity. In a world of Christmas lights (don’t get me wrong – they are beautiful), there is a connection unlike any other when we smell latkes, notice a dreidel, and see the Chanukkiah.
In so many ways, Chanukkah deepens our Jewish experience more than any of the “major” festivals.
So …. Where does that leave me?
Chanukkah will never be at the same level as Christmas. For believers, Christmas is about the birth of Jesus. That’s HUGE. Chanukkah does not carry the same theological weight.
But it carries emotional and spiritual depth which we should not discourage.
Bring it on! Let’s celebrate. Let’s re-kindle the lights. Let’s indulge in the foods. And let’s connect with our people! This, truly, is our moment in time!
Happy Happy Chanukkah!
Rabbi Zach Shapiro
