Community DEI Commission article for Village of Northbrook November/December newsletter

Dear Neighbors,

Many of the traditions we share in our Northbrook community center on light during this time of year. When darkness abounds, we have the opportunity to be bearers of light.

In the Jewish tradition, our festival of lights is called Chanukah (no matter how you spell it!). It commemorates the victory of the small band of Maccabees over an army that sought to deny and persecute the tradition and culture of the Jewish people. And, as the story goes, once the Maccabees reclaimed their ransacked temple and prepared to sanctify their space with light, there was no oil left. And then they found one small container, enough for just one day, and, miracle of miracles, the oil lasted eight nights. Miraculous light for a people who had experienced great darkness.

To commemorate this moment, we light a chanukkiah. Some call it a menorah, which loosely translates to “candelabrum.” Think of it like tissues and Kleenex®. Menorah is the generic and chanukkiah the name-brand for the holiday. Thousands of years ago, the great Jewish sages argued about how one ought to light the chanukkiah. One suggested: A countdown! From eight candles on the first night down to one candle on the eighth. The candles would let us know how much longer the holiday would last and would mimic the waning light from the miraculous oil. Another offered: Add light! One candle on the first day, two on the second, and so forth. After lengthy debate and some compromise on procedure, the latter opinion became our custom and a new principle introduced into tradition: We always add light and add to the sacred.

As we approach this holiday, we are called to be like the chanukkiah. We are called to add more light to the world. There is also a custom to place our light by the window so passersby will see the light and be reminded that miracles can happen. They will remember that even when it is darkest, light, wholeness, justice, and peace will always prevail.

Wishing you and the people you love a season of light, warmth, and goodness. 

L’shalom (in peace),
Rabbi Jason Fenster