The Light of Unity
Every night this Chanukah, we have a chance to shine the light of Jewish unity
The war Hamas started on Simchat Torah, which reverberates hate around the world, is so bitter and painful. Every morning and night, our hearts break even more as we hear of the sacrifice that young men and women are making to vanquish our enemies and rescue the more than 100 hostages still in captivity.
Instead of being cheered on by the world, Israel and the IDF are reviled and condemned. But this is the life of a Jew. Condemned for being a victim and victimizer simultaneously.
The bravery and courage the soldiers show and the strength of the parents, spouses, and kids who kiss them goodbye as they head out against a mighty terrorist foe leave a permanent impression in the highest heavenly realms.
This painful time of the widespread acceptance of Jew-hatred has also revealed some rays of light.
Most Americans don't side with Hamas and believe Israel has a right to defend itself. The majority of Congress and the president of the US have openly backed Israel. Even under heavy pressure, they are, for the most part, allowing Israel to pursue its enemies.
It's not just on the political level. Non-Jewish Americans have volunteered to pick vegetables in Israel. Churches are praying for Israel. Police take the threats to our community very seriously. There are even people randomly helping Jews.
My son and his friend went to buy Slurpees in a local Pico area 7-11. An African American man behind them noticed their kippahs and said, "My first job was with a Jewish family..." and proceeded to tell them how he was so sorry about what happened in Israel. He insisted on paying for the Slurpees.
At a Mexican cafe in downtown LA, a Jewish woman walked in for a coffee while she waited for a bus. She started speaking with the cook. When he heard that she had lived previously in Israel, the cook said with determination, “I wish I could go to Israel and cook for the soldiers.”
Unlikely heroes have appeared to defend the Jewish people. Progressive Pennsylvania Senator John Futterman marched for Israel with an Israeli flag and posted pictures of the hostages on his senate wall. Retired baseball star Kevin Youkilis, comic Jon Lovitt, and actress Julianna Margulies stare down hatred in person and on social media. Dee Snider of Twisted Sister encouraged the IDF to use his anthem “We’re Not Going to Take.” An Argentinian football announcer brings attention to his aunt, who was kidnapped from her home.
Rays of light.
But the ray of light this holiday, which I cannot stop thinking about, is the light of unity.
Israel as a country and the diaspora have never been so connected. Just months ago, there were articles and discussions about an existential divide between Israel and American Jewry. They were portrayed as two ships heading to opposite ports.
Today, The Jewish diaspora's identification with Israel and Israel's interdependence with the diaspora are signs that these two communities are closer than ever.
My friends and family in Israel tell me there is an incredible unity unlike any they've experienced in recent memory. This is after nine months of internal civil strife.
But what happened on the first night of Chanukah was unity on another level.
Jewish people lit their menorahs in every far-flung region of the diaspora and across Israel this year as a people connecting intention, action, ritual, and prayer. Each person has the same blessings. Each simple act of lighting is steeped in meaning, emotion, and power.
We do not know how this war ends precisely. But we know that every night of Chanukah, we have a chance to shine the light of Jewish unity from one end of the world to the other.
Every night of Chanukah, we sing or say the prayer of Maoz Tzur, which ends with a prayer for redemption
Bare Your holy arm
and hasten the end for salvation -
Avenge the vengeance of Your servants' blood
from the wicked nations.
For the triumph is too long delayed for us,
and there is no end to days of evil.
May God see our efforts and answer the prayers of a people ready for redemption.
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Rabbi Yonah Bookstein is the Deanna and Allen Alevy Family Rabbi in Community Outreach for Pico Shul and Shabbat Tent.