We’ve just concluded a spectacular eight days of Chanukah. From record-breaking crowds at the Chanukah Festival to illuminating the city with public menorah displays, the spirit and joy of the holiday resonated throughout the community.
Read Article in the Jewish Herald Voice
On the final night, our children visited many families in the neighborhood, spreading the joy of Chanukah by offering Menorahs and candles, delivering delicious jelly donuts and sharing warm holiday wishes. They were delighted to know that almost every home had already lit their Menorahs that evening.
Did you know that when lighting our menorahs, we ideally should do so using olive oil? That’s because it produces the purest and brightest flame.
But there’s more to it. The Jewish people are often compared to an olive, which, only when crushed, produces oil that brings light. Over the past 14 months, our community has faced some crushing challenges, from attacks in Israel to rising anti-Semitism the world over. Yet, like olives, it is often only when crushed that our greatest power and purest oil emerges, like with so many rediscovering their faith and heritage over the past year.
A powerful example of this resilience was seen at Harvard University, where Chabad responded to the removal of 50 Mezuzahs from dorm rooms by offering students a free replacement. The response was extraordinary: 100 Mezuzahs were affixed, including 50 by students who had never had one before.
Let’s use that oil to continue shining our light all year round!