Chanukah, first night, 2018

Doubtless, most of us have heard the Chanukah story. In a nutshell, the Temple had been desacrated by those who wanted to obliterate Jews and force assimilation, so the Maccabees (Hasmoneans) led a revolt against the forces of Antiochus and the Syrian-Greeks who were pushing for the forced assimilation. Somehow, against all odds, the Maccabees claim the victory. When it was time to rededicate the ancient Temple—the most sacred site of the ancient Jewish community–a small vial of sacred oil to light the Temple lamp (7 branched menorah), a light supposed to burn continuously, was discovered.

As the story goes, there was enough oil in that tiny vial to last for one day only, and to make a new batch required 7 days. Overjoyed at the victory and reclaiming the Temple and the right to resist assimilation, the menorah was lit, even though there was only enough oil for one day. However, the menorah burned for eight days, which provided enough time for new sacred olive oil to be produced. This is what is referred to as the miracle of Chanukah.

The story is a complicated one, with myriads of political overtones and undertones, including infighting among Jewish factions–those Greek sympathizers who were pro assimilation versus ultra religious zealots. Really, we are left with far more questions than answers when we look at this story.

Because it is not clear cut, and because Chanukah has been completely reshaped by the U.S. Jewish culture from the 1950's onward due to increasing pressure to assimilate into Christmas, it is a troublesome and worrisome religious holiday for many, while others are only too happy to make it more and more into a Jewish equivalent of Christmas consumerism or a popularity event. Ask most Jewish kids what their favorite Jewish holiday is and, sadly, 99% of them will say Chanukah. Then ask them why, and they reply, "Presents!" Chanukah was never meant to be a gift-giving occasion, and the assimilation factor of bending to social pressure of Christmas consumerism counteracts the very basis of what Chanukah was actually about––the right to resist assimilation!

But let's put that aside for now, and let's look again at this "miracle" of Chanukah and one day of oil which burned for 8 days.

Rather than making the oil the center of the story/celebration/miracle as is the custom, why don't we look at those who lit the menorah, knowing they did not have enough oil for the week it would take to make more, but lit the menorah anyway? What did that moment of decision feel like?

Perhaps the real miracle here is the indomitable spirit of those who, knowing they did not have enough oil, decided to light the menorah anyway. In that moment, they recognized the opportunity to take one small step out of the darkness, even if it wasn't "perfect." They chose to be present, rather than bound by the past, and without certainty about the future.

Perhaps the real lesson of Chanukah is to be present in each moment, nurturing the flame that we do have. We are all holy sparks of divinity, as long as we keep the flame going.

If, given the choice of doing it all perfectly later, or doing one small thing with great hope and focus right here and now, perhaps the better choice is doing one small thing to bring hope and light into the world right now.

What would you do? Would you light the menorah knowing you only had one day's worth, or would you wait the 7 days in order to make a new batch which would keep the menorah burning for a full week while the next batch of oil was made?

What are you doing in the there and now of your life? Are you caught up in the social pressure of consumerism and a month long food event, or are you taking the moments to be present with others you love? Is it about the food and treats and gifts, or is it about being the light and joy and love we are created to be?

Giving presents or being present? What will YOU choose?