There is a joke among Jews that the story behind all of our holidays can be summarized by “they tried to kill us, we survived, let’s eat.”
Unfortunately, the “trying to kill us” has been more than just a part of the stories behind our holidays — it is a regular, reoccurring part of our history.
Jews never have the luxury of forgetting that humans are capable of great evil and mass genocide because our history is full of cyclical reminders.
It is said that those who forget history are doomed to repeat it, but Jews are taught, from early childhood, that history can and does repeat itself and that we should never get too comfortable in our freedom and safety because it can disappear in the blink of an eye.
Despite all those lessons, I was unprepared for the last two years. None of that got me ready for this feeling of fear at the return of swastikas. None of it prepared me for the terror of marching Nazis on American streets. None of it made it easier to see innocent people massacred in their temple.
And yet…. this time is different. And its difference gives me hope and fills me with joy.
This time, we do not stand alone.
After Pittsburgh, our temples were packed with people from all denominations (and no denominations) coming to show support. After anti-Semitic incidents, people all around the world have gone to marches and stood in front of synagogues. Churches have gotten together and written letters of support to Jewish neighbors. Muslims have donated funds to displaced Jewish congregations.
Hanukkah is a celebration of light, and this past year, the light came from all of you.
This year, as I light the Hanukkah candles I think of the light brought by all our non-Jewish brothers and sisters who, for the very first time in our long, long history, are showing us that we do not stand alone.
And it is making all the difference.
Happy Hanukkah to all me Jewish brothers and sisters. Happy Hanukkah and THANK YOU to all my non-Jewish brothers and sisters who have provided the light of love, friendship, and support. You have no idea how much it means to not be alone in difficult times.
❤️