What’s happening:

In the wake of a brutal attack by Hamas on southern Israel, a man discovers a Hanukkah menorah in the ruins of his family home, providing a poignant symbol of resilience and hope.

Why it matters:

The discovery of the hanukkiah amidst the devastation of the October 7 Massacre underscores the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity. The menorah, a traditional symbol of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, becomes a testament to the unyielding light of hope that persists even in the darkest times.

The details:

During a solemn search through the rubble of a destroyed kibbutz home in Be’eri, a man finds a twisted hanukkiah. The menorah, though damaged, carries the weight of a family’s history and symbolizes the miracle of Hanukkah—the triumph of light over darkness. This man, mourning the loss of his wife’s father and coping with the trauma of the attack, embodies the narrative of loss, survival, and the search for light amidst darkness.

The bigger picture:

This Hanukkah, the story of the found hanukkiah resonates with the Jewish community and beyond as a powerful reminder of perseverance. It highlights the capacity of individuals to find strength and solace in tradition and faith, even as they navigate through the aftermath of terror and loss.

Be’eri’s message of hope:

The cradling of the damaged menorah by a grieving family member encapsulates the spirit of Hanukkah. As candles are lit across the world, they not only commemorate an ancient miracle but also celebrate the present-day miracles of endurance, faith, and the undying flame of hope in humanity.

In conclusion:

As the man in Be’eri tenderly handles the hanukkiah, his actions serve as a reminder to all that even in the grip of calamity, the human spirit can find light. This Hanukkah, the menorah’s flames are a symbol not just of a historical miracle, but of our collective resilience against the darkness of our times.

This story was first published on jpost.com.