What it’s about
As Jews worldwide join in lighting the first candle of Hanukkah, the dual carnival of Hanukkah and Christmas reflects unique harmony. This year marks a festive confluence as Jewish and Christian joys unfurl on the same date, a reminder of shared hopes and ongoing struggles.
Why it matters
This Hanukkah carries profound importance as it stands against a backdrop of Israel grappling with profound challenges, specifically the prolonged ordeal of hostages trapped in Gaza. These 100 individuals symbolize enduring courage amid shadows, and their plight remains a painful reminder of the complex situations faced by the Israeli state.
Lighting as Resistance and Hope
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the unwavering alliance Israel shares with Christians globally. Amid various threats, this steadfast friendship is spotlighted, echoing the perseverance needed as families light the hanukkiah, signifying strength and unity.
Narratives of Spirit: Katzir and Beyond
The recent loss of Kibbutz Nir Oz’s Hannah Katzir — another soul impacted by Gaza’s malevolence — serves as a haunting narrative within a catalogue of personal hardships from the preceding year. Such stories mirror Israel’s resilience, the nation’s pulse fiercely dedicated to life itself.
The Festival of Miracles
Echoing Rabbi Stewart Weiss, this season venerates miracles and perpetuates narratives of expectation—both historical and present-day wonders illuminating the path of resilience, as etched out through the lives of Jews underpinned by enduring faith and keyed towards redemption.
Illuminating the Path Forward
As we light the hanukkiah, this Hanukkah, our thoughts harbor warmth toward oppressed Jews, concealing their faith due to fear. Together, in somberness and joy, the illumination bestowed evokes solidarity for Israeli hostages echoing hollow cries of home and encloses conquerable hope.
Counting the light echoes the prophetic resonance of Leonard Cohen’s poetry, wherein liberty frazzles divisive urns with its promise. This Hanukkah incarnates that ideal—to discover fissures and liberate shafts of healing light unmistakably and righteously through each fracture we foray.
This story was first published on jpost.com.