A Message from Rabbi Yitzhak (Dec, 2004)

There is nothing more hopeful than the glow of candles on dark winter nights and Chanukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, is an eight night celebration of bringing light into the darkness. Chanukah commemorates the successful Jewish Maccabean revolt against the occupying force of the Greco Syrian army in 165 B.C.E. This revolt culminated in the rededication of the desecrated Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. The rekindling of the menorah in the ancient temple was the ritual reaffirmation of faith in the Eternally Creating Spirit that flows through life and that many refer to as God.

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Honoring Different Views

The rabbis debated about the proper way to memorialize the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple, and while there was agreement as to the number of days of commemoration, there was a debate about the ritual itself. Without going into the complexities of that debate, and its outcome, more interesting is a statement made in the Talmud about the relationship of differing opinions in this type of debate - a debate that is held for the sake of heaven.

The text remarkably declares, "These and these are the words of the living God," meaning, both views are the words of God. The majority view became established in the tradition as the practice observed. The minority opinion, although not established as the practice, nevertheless was honored for its worthiness and recognized as equally true. It was preserved as a worthy view that might at a future time be practiced. This respectful approach to honoring differing views can serve us well at a time when our society has become terribly polarized. Our shared national destiny binds us together and our future will be determined by the integrity, skill in speech and skill in listening that we bring to the ongoing debates that are boiling in the cauldron of our society.

Those who have gained power will be wise to eschew the arrogance that can accompany power. Those whose power has diminished will be wise to avoid falling into the cynicism and despair that can accompany loss. This is a time to pause and reflect. This is a time for working to find ways to articulate deeply held sacred values that are not understood and accepted as profound and worthy moral concerns. This is a time for humility in the face of the immensity of the task of respectfully changing minds that will then change policies.

Underneath the divisions in our society there seems to be a universal yearning to live in a moral world. Although there are vast differences in our definitions of morality, it is hopeful that morality is being sought by all. Some use the word morality to describe personal behaviors and others use that word to describe domestic and foreign policies. The lesson of Chanukah offers us an opportunity to grow in our understanding of each others’ fears as well as hopes. Our debates can be held on an honorable level that is for the sake of heaven and not merely for the sake of power. For Chanukah, the rabbis chose a reading from the prophet Zechariah that is most relevant to our situation, "Not by might and not by power, but by my Spirit says the Eternal One." As you read this message, Shonna and I, along with our wonderful group of TBI members will be getting ready for our Chanukah journey to Israel. We want to wish you all a Hag Urim Sameach – a joyful Festival of Lights. We look forward to sharing our experiences upon our return.

Blessings and Shalom,
Rabbi Yitzhak