Dear Friends,
The footage that was released by the families of six hostages who were murdered, included a dramatic moment when the six hostages were lighting Chanukah Candles somewhere in Gaza. You can see in the video the depth of this moment and what it meant to them as they supported each other, prayed for a miracle, and remembered the story of Chanukah and its eternal message.
It was so heartbreaking and painful to see yet also so powerful to witness and process.
Chanukah is here, a holiday of light and joy, a holiday of light overcoming the darkness and joy overcoming sadness.
Chanukah is one of my favorite holidays, even though it is often so cold and in the middle of the winter. It may not be Biblical in nature, and its story happened at a time, which contemporary history books speak about, and we keep unearthing artifacts from that period.
Yet, perhaps precisely because it happened at a time which was not biblical and at a time at which apparent supernatural events were no more, and instead challenges and darkness reigned in abundance, that its message is so powerful and relevant.
Chanukah is the story of the miracle of oil, of the few of the many, of the good over evil, and simply the reminder that darkness doesn't always need to be fought, sometimes you need to just find a way to turn on the light.
As we approach this very happy holiday of Chanukah, let us make sure that each and every night of this holiday as we light the Chanukah candles in our home or with friends, celebrate in Town squares and elsewhere, that the eternal message of adding a little night each and every night to illuminate the darkness, can make a difference far beyond what we could ever imagine.
Yes we know there is pain, heartbreak and challenges all around us at times, yet a little light and a little more joy, will go a long way in brightening this world, making it more joyous and will improve the lives of all of your loved ones too.
Looking forward to seeing you all at the many Chanukah Celebrations!
Shabbat Shalom & Happy Chanukah!
Yisroel
P.S Thank you to Oz Rabinowitz for figuring out a way to fit 600+ donuts and hundreds of Latkes in his car to bring back from Brooklyn today for the many Chanukah Celebrations
PPS If you need a travel Menorah Kit with Candles for your home or travel, please let us know and we would be happy to gift one to you.
We have several cases of them and we would be happy to help share the light.