The fresh snow is melting, holiday signs and warm lights dazzle the streets as I sit to write this article. The markets are buzzing with shoppers loading their carts with decorations and gifts.
I stretch in the comfort of my office chair and reflect on the idea of freedom. Freedom of speech and freedom of religion are two that come to mind. The foundation of our beloved country. How delightful it is to live in a democracy that allows everyone to practice their religion without being ridiculed or forced to hide their identity.
The story of Hanukkah amplifies the need for these privileges. It is a tale of a triumph of light over darkness, good vs. evil. The Jewish people were prohibited to study and learn the five books of Moses and were commended by the Greeks to abstain from any Jewish practices. To avoid being caught, the Jewish children were supplied with toys, spinning dreidels. Whenever the Greek soldiers approached the children pulled their dreidels out and played.
For eight days, the holiday of Hannukah commemorates the miracles that happened in this era. Candles are lit, dreidels are played, and special food is eaten. Often, like this year, Hanukkah coincides with Christmas and Kwanzaa. This is the beauty of our country. Yes, it is a “melting pot,” a vibrant and colorful one!
We are reminded of the Pilgrims who boarded the Mayflower and came to America to pursue religious independence from the Church of England. They vowed to be free to practice their religion and speak their mind. It isn’t a coincidence that the first amendment clarifies just that. FREEDOM!
Being free to practice our spiritual convictions is a gift that was handed down to us by the founders of this country. It is crucial and essential for us to carry down this torch and continue implementing the first amendment in the spirit of those who wrote it.
We should respect any faith-group or non-religion and remember to look out of our comfort zone and see beauty in every credence. My congregation was honored to host an interfaith service a couple of weeks ago. The harmony of the prayers of several groups of faiths was unmatched. Peace relies on the principle of respecting others and their beliefs, so in this holiday season I invite you to enjoy the lights and happiness in your home, with your friends and family and in our brilliantly decorated streets!
Happy Holidays!
Rabbi Moshe P. Weisblum, PhD
