A Light in the Darkness

Psalm 18:29:

"For You, Infinite and Holy One, light up my darkness;Your Soul of Light causes my soul to shine forth."

At Chanukah this evening, we witness our country being desecrated. The sacred trust to care for people and the earth, to uphold justice, to afford respect and dignity to all, the commitment to fair taxes, to welcoming immigrants, to seeking peace—all of it lies in ruin. 

Like the Temple menorah that ran out of oil, the battering of each new assault on our values and democracy has discouraged so many of us.

It is easy to despair, realizing how much has happened despite the opposition of the true majority.

Chanukah implores us to act, even as we do not know if our actions will succeed. Chanukah urges us not to get stuck in hopelessness.

This season reminds those of us in the over ruled majority that a small light illuminates much darkness. We never know what will result from our goodness, our kind deeds, from our silence while being made the butt of an insensitive "joke" at an inappropriate time by someone not yet personally impacted by the hatred and greed, all the while saying "no offense intended."

This season calls us to act for the sake of the goodness of the action itself. Act for the sake of the sacred. Act with reverence and love. Experience the power of taking action in the face of ruin, of stepping forward even when so much feels lost. And this season also calls us to take time to renew ourselves, to welcome joy, and to practice gratitude.

The flames of Chanukah are lights of rededication. Each night we rededicate ourselves to our sacred values; values by which we truly live, not just give to lip service.

As the light increases, we declare: We will rise. In the face of ruin, amid the rubble, we will rise together. We will act for goodness. We will act for justice. We will act with kindness, compassion and generosity.  We will act to sanctify the earth and honor ALL people.

Chanukah Samayach

Joyful Chanukah, and peace and blessings to all people of goodness willing to stand up to the dark powers ruled by greed, insensitivity, and the corruption of power and ego.