A few days ago my daughter, Maya, shared that she is afraid of the mean King in the Chanukah story. I asked her why and she said, “He was very mean to the Jewish people and he didn’t let them celebrate Shabbat or any of the holidays.” Maya then said, “What if he tells us it’s not okay to do all the things we do?” I said to her, that it’s a good thing that there were these Jewish people, the Maccabees, that stood up for what they believe in and they stood up for our religion, and we don’t have to worry about that mean King anymore.
She said, so I don’t need to be afraid of him and I said, “No”. She then ran to the window to make sure our "Chanukiah" lamp was lit for the fourth night.
As I followed her upstairs to bed, I said “Maya we always put the "chaunukiah" (menorah) in the window. We always tell people who we are. We always be proud to be Jewish.”
She said, “I got it mommy ..be proud”
As we prepare to light the sixth candle tonight, knowing that there are still people in this world who would like to be rid of us, knowing that there are still people who may not like what we celebrate, may we continue to do the mitzvah of advertising the miracle ....and show the world we are Jewish and proud.
With blessings,
Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach,
Rabbi Marci R. Bloch
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