Blog

While the words of the Four Questions might seem out of place for Chanukah, I believe that they are not this year. Let me start first with something good. We have been using technology to simultaneously light the Chanukiyah with our family in New Jersey, and it is such a joy to be a part of our granddaughter’s first Chanukah. One congregant earlier this year had remarked with a smile on his face that there is nothing like being a grandparent, and another recently told me that it puts a smile on your heart. What a beautiful phrase that I had never heard. I like it. A smile on your heart.

Israel’s isolation in the world is not new. Same for an utter lack of fact-checking by the media. Before my eyes I see a new book being written: How not to Report a War. It is being written by the big three, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. Toss in the major television news reporting networks. And for extra flavor, social media, since everything we learn comes from there. Mix is all together, and you get compounded misinformation, unsubstantiated reports, unapologetic lies, and antisemitism. When you include all of the talking heads who appear and offer their opinions, I opt for not watching to keep my blood pressure within healthy levels. So how is it different?

Janice and I had the privilege to attend the Chanukah celebration at the Naval Observatory, home to the Vice President and Second Gentleman. The Chanukah menorah that was kindled was created by Daniel Libeskind as a gift for the Tree of Life, and loaned to them for their use this year. It was so gratifying to know that we continue to merit the attention of the Vice President and the Second Gentleman, which was reinforced by their warm embraces and caring conversation with us. The Tree of Life matters to them and for that we are grateful.

The following evening, we attended the Chanukah celebration at the White House. For those who do not know, the White House kitchen is kashered so that all of the food is kosher for the celebration. Just standing in the White House, singing the Chanukah candle blessings and Maoz Tzur with all of the people is so uplifting. I had chills and a tear of joy that I could stand in the people’s house and experience this moment. Everyone that we spoke with expressed continued care for the Tree of Life and interest in our future. My gratitude was boundless for their compassion and love that embraced us.

The debates will continue to rage throughout universities regarding freedom of speech, the use of the word “genocide”, the appalling lack of credible answers by three college presidents (one is now a former college president), the attacks upon Rep. Elise Stephanik, the power of wealthy alumni, and so on. I almost feel as though once again it is our fault. Let’s just blame the victims, in this case the Jews. Lost in this momentum is the differing attitudes on college campuses to speech and the actions that speech engenders. Attacks upon many groups have been intolerable, but attacks upon Jews are condoned. If there is no consistency on a college campus to assure that all students can access an equal education without fear because of their religion, sexual orientation, or color of their skin, then it hurts all students. I reject the notion that the Jewish community created this environment, and I applaud the many who have bravely spoken up and demanded better of their alma mater. The world was silent eighty years ago, with horrific results. We will not be silent.

I shared with our Congregation Board on Tuesday evening a slightly different take on the meme that has been floating through social media: Be the Shamash. For those unfamiliar, the Shamash is the candle that lights the other candles on the Chanukah menorah. There are times when we must be the ignitor of change, and at this time in the world all of us are called upon to do so. However, a Shamash cannot work alone; it needs the other candles to take up that flame as well. There are times when we are called upon to be a candle to carry forward the needs of the day, and times when we must be a shamash. My message is that at this time and place, we cannot just stay in the box waiting to be picked. Be a shamash and be an ignitor! Be a candle and take on that flame. Chanukah may end, but we cannot let the light go out.