Page 34 - Jewish News_December-2020

34A December 2020 COMMENTARY

Hanukkah reminds us to have hope in times of despair

As others were—I have not seen age make them vulnerable to the dis- those who struggle.
As others saw—I could not bring ease, who have gone ten months now And for those who find themselves
From My passions from a common spring— without touching another person. among the isolated, Hanukkah reminds
From the same source I have not taken
us to have hope in times of despair,
While there is nothing wrong with
the My sorrow—I could not awaken being alone, the feeling of loneliness and to kindle the light and love we all
My heart to joy at the same tone—
share. I offer you now this new addi-
can be a heavy burden. The Torah
Bimah And all I lov’d—I lov’d alone … makes this clear when the only two tional prayer to recite each night of
things reported as “Lo Tov” or “not
Hanukkah. Though it won’t suddenly
It’s been 10 months now of wor-
ship apart. While we at Temple Sinai, good” both relate to loneliness. The allow you to hold someone’s hand, I
like so many of the congregations and first instance we are told plainly and pray that it will help you to feel held by
Rabbi Samantha Kahn organizations in town, have been inno- clearly, “Lo tov lihyot adam l’vado,” God. Just pause for a moment before
lighting your candles and say:
vative and adaptive, the fact remains
“It is not good for a human being to be
Temple Sinai that something is missing. Technolo- alone.” The second occurrence, as Mo- Yodeah ta’alumot, Knower of all
he sanctuary was filled to the gy allows for “I-It” relationships that ses learns how to lead, declares “Lo tov mysteries -
brim with bodies, laughter, song are nice but transactional. We want ha-davar asher ata oseh,” “The thing May you who performed wondrous
Tand a marvelous glow from the our members to know more relation- you are doing is not good.” In both deeds for my ancestors,
several dozen hannukiot that shone al “I-Thou” experiences instead. We these texts we learn that it is not good At this season in days of old,
upon us. Last year, while celebrating want to embrace one another, to have to be alone and it is not good to lead Help the socially distant love I share,
side by side, I explained that the large our voices mingle in song, and to ex- alone. Be expanded enough to nurture my
variety of hannukiot on the tables at the perience the transformative nature of Winter days can be long and dark, lonely soul.
front of the sanctuary reminded us that in-person Jewish community. and holidays often heighten emotional Like the oil that miraculously
we were there in celebration of both Technology, while impressive, is struggles. So as we prepare for Hanuk- replenished itself,
ancient miracles and modern commu- quite simply not enough. The wonder kah this year, we must take a moment May my resilience continue to be
nity. As I contemplate how people are of technology can’t make up for the to remember and connect with all those replenished as well,
feeling while looking forward to the fact that we have many who are unable in our community who are experienc- Until you see fit - to bless us all -
holiday of Hanukkah this year, I’m to navigate online platforms and unfa- ing the added hardship of loneliness. With the miracle of health and
drawn to the words of Edgar Allan Poe, miliar technologies. There are many We must let our voices carry and con- togetherness once again.
who writes, in Alone: who are living alone, whose health or vey our hearts, as we try to nourish

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