Kislev and December — Gratitude, Resilience and Joy

As I put these words together, Thanksgiving is coming soon, and we’re in the opening days ofKislev, the month illuminated by the Hanukkah’s glow. It’s a balmy spring-like day that doesn’t at all feel like winter might be approaching. The year is flying by!

Thanksgiving is almost here — and there’s more than enough to be grateful for. Furloughedworkers are finally returning to their jobs. We fervently pray that our leaders can find ways to heal divisions and to work together toward helping their constituents thrive.

Here in our kehillah: Morgan Bernstein and Isaiah Heard are about to celebrate their b’neimitzvah…and how did they both grow up so quickly?! Mazal Tov to the Bernstein and Heard families on reaching this milestone moment! And, there’s Hanukkah — it will always be a favorite for me; I was born on the eighth day of the festival (this year, the first candle coincides with my birthday). I hope you can join in the festivities for lighting the big hannukiya in Macon (12/14), Milledgeville (12/15) or Perry (12/20). Big fun – dreidels, latkes, dancing, singing.

While it’s tempting to refer to Hanukkah as a minor holiday (compared to the blockbusters of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot), the deeper truth is that Hanukkah — especially in times of turmoil and darkness — is incredibly relevant. The tenacity, bravery and the self-sacrifice of the Maccabees speak to us in a world haunted by hatred and bigotry. This festival marks a victory over foes who sought to snuff out the flame of Jewish life. The tactics and rhetoric of the haters shifts over time — but we can hear the ugliness and see the cruelty. Look at the words of the second blessing we recite – שעשה נסים לאבותינו ולאמותינו (You, God, wrought miracles for our ancestors), and the powerful closing phrase בימים ההם בזמן הזה In those days and in this time — the message is clearly in front of us here and now. Light the flame, chase away the darkness, joinhands as a community and sing the songs of gratitude and joy. A great miracle happened there,and great miracles (when we join together against oppression) will unfold here as well.