Even though… We thank

Even though as I open my eyes in the morning and recite the ‘mode ani’ prayer filled with appreciation for a new day, my heart now skips a beat mindful of the possibility that the morning may reveal new beaming faces of fallen soldiers “released for publication”

Even though 100 souls linger in a tortuous netherworld for nearing 450 days.

Even though the unnatural loss of husbands. wives, sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings and friends at war bleeds a daily agony of longing and struggle to comprehend and honor.

Even though ‘regular’ people, from grandparents to students who had already ‘fulfilled the military service of their youth’ drop it all to lace up boots and step forward directing all of their capacity of mind and body to serve wherever is needed.

Even though thousands of injured soldiers spend their days fighting to walk again, rehabilitate and live.

Even though entire families hold their breath for weeks on end as ‘one of them’ is brazenly risking his/her life to fight and restore security to our nation.

Even though among those who love our nation, tensions are high and emotions raw as we debate our unified next diplomatic and military moves.

Even though tens of thousands of our citizens are refugees from their own homes sheltering until our borders are safe.

Even though sirens, rockets and rocket fragments continue to threaten millions of citizens’ regular movements and normal night’s sleep.

Even though it is hard to remember the total number of neighboring nations who have shot rockets into our country over the last year.

For these eight days it is Chanukah

Each day as the darkness of the night sets in, we stand tall and kindle a wick to declare and share.

As the Talmud (BT, Shabbat 21b) debates the details of the Chanukah ritual, it pauses in reflection, ‘What is Chanukah?’ A question to which the medieval French sage Rabbi Shlomo Yitzkhaki (Rashi) interprets as a search to attribute which of the miracles that took place during that time are the sages moved to commemorate?

Was it the Assyrian Greek’s failed attempt to quash our religious identities and connection to Torah?

Was it the unlikely military victory of the few vs the many?

Was it a resolution of an internal Jewish battle between rival camps?

Was it the miracle that oil was found in the ransacked Temple and someone stepped forward to light in the face of uncertainty?

Was it that the Temple oil supernaturally lasted longer than we would have imagined scientifically possible?

Was it that following the Chanukah period independent Jewish sovereignty returned to Israel for more than 200 years?

These moments can be analyzed with an appreciation of the human might and Divine influence. They can be felt regardless of which miracle resonates for whom. But with perspective, 8 days were established to be grateful for the twists and turns of what transpired, to declare that appreciation and share it.

Maimonides (Mishneh Torah, Chanukah 4:12) codifies the rabbinic commandment with a powerful demand. Addressing someone with food insecurity who may not have enough money to purchase candles, Maimonides encourages that he/she find a way. Maimonides characterizes the commandment of Chanukah candle lighting with a unique description of the mitzvah as “a truly cherished one.” Despite the challenges of the now, he is insistent that each of us find a means to experience this transformative commandment. He cherishes this act of lighting into the darkness, revealing and sensing miracles, and sharing that experience as critical. Chanukah is an opportunity to assume a vantage of reality that shines a light on and gives voice to miracles (whichever one that you appreciate) that surround us then and now.

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Even though the struggle of our nation continues, our nation is also experiencing extraordinary gestures and efforts. The eight days of Chanukah are a blessed pause for perspective to see and share the light even within the darkness.