Nov 21 2006
Hazzan Notes - December 2006
Another year, another Chanukah on its way – and the December dilemma begins yet again. My father always likes to note that Chanukah is a minor holiday in the Jewish calendar, and he believes, as many do, that the fuss over it is undeserved. But we live in a country that teaches our children and their parents that you must buy a lot and give a little during the “Holiday Season.” Chanukah isn’t even the gift-giving holiday – it’s on Purim that we are meant to exchange treats and goodies. The meaning of Chanukah is dedication. We celebrate the rededication of the Temple after its desecration by the Greek army, symbolized in the lighting of the Hanukkiah. At the darkest time of year, we bring a little more light into our homes each night, until our Hanukkiot blaze with eight candles on the final night. How do we use the eight nights of Chanukah as a time to rededicate ourselves to Judaism, to our families, and to our community? How do we both honor the season and keep moderation in mind? Make each night of Chanukah a celebration of family, faith, and community, whether it is celebrating with friends or making sure the whole family is home for dinner and candlelighting. Make sure there is a Hanukkiah for every member of the family. Invest in a new Chanukah CD and play it at home during dinner. Come to synagogue for evening minyan and help light candles here, or come each morning and hear the special Hallel (festival psalms) and Torah reading for each day. Perhaps designate each night of Chanukah with a special theme, as my colleague Rabbi Rona Shapiro suggests:
-Big Gift Night (each child gets one big gift from parents)
-Grandparent Night (children open gifts from their grandparents)
-Book Night (each child receives a book)
-Music Night (sing Chanukah songs, exchanging and playing Jewish CDs)
-Cooking Night (making latkes or sufganiyot)
-Tzedakah Night (wrapping presents to deliver to a children’s hospital or other charity)
-Homemade Gifts (lots are drawn before Chanukah and each member of the family makes a gift for someone else)
In the Talmud (Soferim 20:6), there is a special poem called “Hanerot Hallalu” (these lights) that is traditionally chanted
after the Chanukah blessings. It reminds us that the lights we light on Chanukah are solely for enjoyment. As we revel in their beauty, we revel in our freedom and the many miracles God has wrought for us, both in ancient times and today:
We light these lights for the miracles and the wonders, for the redemption and the battles that You made for our ancestors in those days at this season, through Your holy priests. During all eight days of Chanukah, these lights are sacred, and we are not permitted to make ordinary use of them - but only to look at them; In order to express thanks and praise to Your great Name for your miracles, Your wonders and your salvations.
This year, as another Chanukah comes, say the words of Hanerot Hallalu and think about rededication in its true sense. Enjoy the candles after you light them. Enjoy your family, enjoy your friends, and enjoy the holiday. Chag sameach!
