They say that Hanukkah reminds us what we're truly enthusiastic about, what gets us excited. For eight days, what interested millions of Jews around the world every evening was the Hanukkah candles. Songs and prayers, home and family. Our commentators explain that these eight days remind us of the basis, of the most important things, and of that which is the most shining and fascinating in our lives. These days give us strength to be moved and excited by the truly important things also throughout the rest of the year.
There are those whose enthusiasm and excitement are not of the light, but of the darkness. This is their cultural center, this is where they invest their energy. A husband and wife were wounded yesterday by terrorists at a shooting attack near the Jewish settlement of Ofra, in Samaria. The woman was critically wounded, and the baby she carried in her womb is now being treated in critical condition in the neonatal intensive care unit.
In the song, "Maoz Tzur", we sang about all the persecution and evil decrees of Antiochus, Haman and the other evil ones throughout the generations. Our situation today is much better, but the struggle of light with the darkness hasn't ended with a decisive victory, unfortunately. We still have a lot of work to do. On the last day of Hanukkah, we still hope for the fulfillment of the last stanza in the song: חֲשׂוֹף זְרוֹעַ קָדְשֶׁךָ, וְקָרֵב קֵץ הַיְשׁוּעָה. ("Reveal Your holy arm, and bring full redemption closer").
Dedicated to the Refu'ah (healing) of Shirah Yael bat Liorah Sarah and her baby-boy, son of Shirah Yael.
