Hanukkah is coming this year at a challenging time for Israel and the Jewish people. After the temporary cease-fire in Gaza at the end of November to release over 100 hostages, the war has once again resumed. The rise in antisemitism locally, nationally, and globally is on our minds and hearts.
Yet, Hanukkah’s message is more resonant and powerful than ever. It is a holiday that emerges out of the darkest period of the year. Its central image is of the miracle of the small jar of pure oil, found by the Maccabees, that lit the Menorah in the Temple for eight full days.
When the sages Hillel and Shammai debated how we kindle our Hanukkah lights, Judaism ruled as Hillel, we light one candle and then the other, and the other until our Hanukkiah blazes with the light of all eight candles.
Hanukah represents our Jewish faith in miracles, and the menorah in our windows is a symbol of our resolve to stand by our faith, to push away the darkness with our own light, and of our everlasting commitment to cherish the life/light in every human being.
Our hearts are full after the celebration of our President JuliAnn Geldner last Saturday night and the wonderful concert by Sarah Aroeste. We are grateful to our VP of membership and engagement Monica Garcia Norlander for organizing and to the whole committee.
You can access pictures of the event by clicking hereand entering the password, HARzion2023.
Our Hanukkah celebrations continue this evening with a concert by Chicago a capella, returning to Har Zion for the first time since covid. Next Wednesday evening at 6pm we will come together for a communal meal with the religious school, and at the end of Hanukkah, a Friday night musical Shabbat. Please join us for more latkes and songs!
I cannot remember a more powerful time to celebrate Hanukkah. As we light our first candle tonight, there is a custom to sing
Hanerot Hallalu: We light these lights For the miracles and the wonders, For the redemption and the battles That you made for our forefathers In those days, and at this time.
We are grateful for the miracles in our lives and pray for more wonders to unveil the light and bring Am Yisrael, the Jewish people and all of the world to deliverance.
Chag Urim Sameach,
Rabbi Adir Glick Solomon Family Rabbinic Chair
West Suburban Temple Har Zion 1040 N. Harlem Avenue River Forest, IL 60305 708.366.9000
