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Yesterday was the first night of Chanukah. There are some people who think this is the Jewish version of Christmas, but it has no relationship to Christmas. It just happens to fall near the same time of year.
I’m not writing this post to explain the details of Chanukah, however. Instead, I want to bring a vision, an image of light where there seems to be so much darkness in the world. In distant Australia, Jews were killed at a Chanukah celebration, where they celebrated our ancient victory over the Seleucids and indulged in sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts). Israelis are living with an uncertain future, as they reflect on the darkness of the last two years and contemplate a new reality.
The two main reasons for this holiday are that it celebrates a Jewish military victory; we also remember the miracle of the oil flask that offered only enough fuel to burn for one night for reconsecrating the Temple, but it burned for eight.
I bring up these two stories for a reason. It seems that Jews have always been at war with the societies in which they have lived in one way or another. They have been expelled, degraded and judged, but they have always kept fighting for their lives and for their G-d. Even the Dalai Lama asked the Jewish community how it survived for so long, as he struggled with the Chinese occupation.
Jews must keep fighting. We have no other choice, nor do we expect anything different.
The miracle of the flask of oil is represented by the Chanukiah, a menorah with nine candles; one is always lit first to light the other candles and is elevated above the others. Various explanations are given for the lead candle, called a shamash, but I like to think of its leading us on a journey into the light. Each night we light one more candle, and the darkness is diminished and hope begins to shine.
The Chanukiah represents many things to me this year. It represents the Jewish college students who may be afraid, but continue to demand accountability. It reminds me that in the darkest moments, there is always a glimmer of “light”: a greeting, a smile, a hug, a conversation. If nourished, that light can continue to grow and spread to all those at this time of year who are suffering and praying for peace.
May the light enter all of our lives as we witness the end of 2025, and make every effort to face 2026 with hope, resilience and joy.
Discussion (20)
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Perfect. Thanks for this, Susan.
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Thanks, Freeven.
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I’m rather surprised that is has taken until an hour ago for this appalling event to get a mention on Ricochet (unless I have missed something, in which case I apologise). I did think of posting about it myself when I learned about it early this morning, but I expected someone far more articulate to do so, and I was right about that- eventually. Ten years or less ago, there would have been an article on the main feed and hundreds of comments.
I will add that my eldest son lived near Bondi Beach until a few months ago, and one of my daughters was there about three weeks ago. This is an attack on Jews, who can feel safe nowhere, except maybe Israel.
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I think that people might be tired of hearing the cries of Jews; there's been so much of it in the last couple of years. I'm imagining for some gentiles it must be a drag. I've been gone all day until now, so that's my excuse.
Your outrage is a gift, though, Charles.
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I see that Iwe mentioned this event in her post five hours ago, leading with the Brown University shooting. Credit to her, but my core point stands.
I am contemplating something, for the first time in fifteen years here.
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