Iran’s Attack on Israel
4 min read
How to create moments of light during this difficult time.
As Hanukkah begins this year, the darkness of war still envelops us with its uncertainty and suffering. But we have also seen many moments of light in the darkness, especially as hostages returned home. Each picture of a family embracing as they were reunited brought tears to our eyes and reminded us that miracles do still happen every day.
The hostages remaining in Gaza are in all of our hearts as we light the Hanukkah candles and pray for their safe return.
Here are eight questions to ask yourself this Hanukkah to create more moments of light in this difficult time.
Some of them may be overt miracles that you can easily remember but remind yourself also of the more subtle miracles that have made your present life possible.
Every act of kindness brings more light into this world. Every smile brings more light into this world. Every prayer you say and every person that you inspire brings more light into this world.
The prolonged uncertainty as the war goes on can make you feel helpless and frustrated. You need all the spiritual tools you can find to cope with the challenges before you. Maybe it is finding someone to learn with so that you can discover more about Judaism. Maybe it is attending synagogue on Shabbat. Maybe it is praying on your own. The days of Hanukkah are a special time for you to focus on your spiritual strengths and to develop more tools to deal with the battles both within you and around you.
A poignant gratitude question I once heard is: What if you were to lose all the things in your life that you weren’t grateful for today? You would rethink all the major things you take for granted every day: your health, your family, shelter, food, your homes. One significant lesson the last 7 weeks have shown is how fleeting life is and how quickly you can lose everything you love. What are you taking for granted in your life today? Each night of Hanukkah is an opportunity to think about another aspect of our lives that you are grateful for.
One of the best antidotes to the rise in antisemitism is to express your Jewish pride. Maybe you can put an Israeli flag in front of your home or attend an event in support of Israel. Maybe it’s the Jewish star you wear or the way you speak about Israel in public. Hanukkah gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your Jewish pride and unwavering faith by lighting a menorah in your window and adding your special light to illuminate the world.
Hanukkah is a special time to reach out and help Israel. There are many families from southern Israel without homes. There are many displaced children who would love toys and gifts for Hanukkah. There are many soldiers who still need the gift of basic safety equipment. Maybe you can speak up on campus or at your company. Maybe you can give your time by packaging much needed goods to send to soldiers and children and families. Or maybe you can give by praying for Israel each day of Hanukkah.
The last two difficult months have fostered connection, kindness, love, courage and unity from every segment of the Jewish people. When you gather to light the Hanukkah candles, surrounded by family and loved ones, take a moment and ask yourself how each person has impacted you and what you appreciate about them.
Hanukkah shows you that you can begin to move forward even if all you know is the first step. If you only have enough time for one prayer, say just one prayer. If you can only give a little, share what you have. The miracle of Hanukkah is not just that the small jar of oil lasted for eight days but that the candles were lit that first night not knowing how they would be lit again tomorrow. Start where you are with what you have.
May God protect Israel and bring us miracles like He did for our ancestors so long ago. And may you find a way to bring more light into the darkness as you light the candles each night.
Good article and thought-provoking questions. There are so many issues raised in all this. The reaction of the worls and within this country are sobering and concerning. The futility of war and existence of hatred very saddening. I will think about these questions seriously.
Amen, beautiful, thank you Debbie
Wonderful thought provoking article... as Aish articles always are!
I thought the questions were great.!