Page 31 - Jewish News_December 2021

COMMENTARY December 2021 31A

The powerful message

of Chanukah READ

they felt the need to hide their Jewish When the rabbis were instituting 4%
identity. From second, until all eight candles are lit on 8
The survey also found that 84% the eighth night. IT!
were supportive of Israel, 83% consid- the
ered other Jews extended family and this mitzvah of lighting the menorah,
56% had traveled to Israel. (Brandeis Bimah it was not as simple as establishing the
Center for Human Rights under Law) procedure as we know it, of lighting an You can increase your
additional candle each night. In fact, a
ISRAEL TO DOUBLE Rabbi Levi serious debate took place concerning brand’s exposure
VOLUME OF WATER Steinmetz – the correct way to perform the mitz- to our engaged
SOLD TO JORDAN Chabad of vah. The opposing opinion was that on Jewish community.
Downtown
the first night the full menorah should
The volume of water that Israel sells Sarasota be kindled – all eight candles – and on
L
P
AC

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to Jordan will double and is likely to each subsequential night, subtract one PLACE
reach 100 million cubic meters over hanukah, an eight-day holiday, more. Seven candles on the second YOUR AD
R A
U
D
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O
the next year, following an agreement is a festival and celebration of night, six on the third night and so on
T
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!
AY
D
signed Tuesday, October 12. Clight. The mitzvah performed until one candle is lit on the final night TODAY!
Since the mid-1990s, Israel has throughout the festival clearly express- of Chanukah.
sold 50 million cubic meters of water es this theme of light. Aside from the The prevailing opinion which we
annually to Jordan. Ten years ago, this traditional jelly donuts, latkes and gelt, now practice is to light one candle on
amount was raised to 60 million cubic the mitzvah at the heart of the holiday the first night and add one more each
meters. is to light the menorah. The eight- of the following nights. The reasoning
Israel has been selling water to branch candelabra, which we light as and logic behind it is that we strictly
Jordan since the 1990s at the especially the sun sets each night of Chanukah, and exclusively increase when it comes ISSUE DEADLINES
cheap tariff of $0.04 per cubic meter, is in remembrance and reliving of to matters of light, matters of holiness.
far lower than the $2.48 rate per cubic the menorah which stood in the Beit- We never decrease in matters of light. JAN. 2022 ISSUE FEB. 2022 ISSUE MAR. 2022 ISSUE
meter paid by Israeli consumers. Hamikdash – the holy temple in Jeru- This powerful message is imbued Dec. 3, 2021 Jan. 3, 2022 Feb. 1, 2022
This latest agreement hikes the salem. It was lit each day of the year. in the lights of the menorah. Each night
price to $0.65, which means Israel is It was a bright time in our history. The we add another candle, an additional
still subsidizing the cost of water for Jewish nation could practice its faith flame and light to the world. The mes-
Jordan. openly and freely. sage of a constant increase of light car- Download the Media Kit at JFEDSRQ.org/Advertising
Israel’s Minister of Infrastructures, In the second century BCE, that ries beyond Chanukah and is prevalent
Water and Energy Resources, Karine changed for the worse. The Greeks to all times, places and people. One Contact us today to reserve your space!
Elharrar, said the new “agreement to ruled over the holy land at the time and small flame lit up in a dark room is so
increase the amount of water is an un- attempted to force the Jewish people impactful in overpowering so much Adam Kaplan
equivocal statement that we want good to accept the Greek culture and per- darkness. One small, good deed or ac- akaplan@jfedsrq.org
neighborly relations.” (Guy Lieberman, suaded them to sway from their spir- tion, a mitzvah, a kind gesture, a posi- 941.552.6307
Globes) ituality and belief in G-d. Eventually, tive encounter with another person, has

the Maccabees, a small group of armed a tremendous effect on the world. That
Jews, gathered and miraculously won addition of light is something we want
over the mighty Greek army against all only to increase. One candle, another
White supremacist
odds. When they returned to the Holy and another, constantly adding more Whit e supremacist
Temple, they wished to rekindle the and more light. groups
menorah, only to find one small jug of The message of Chanukah to every groups are the single
oil fit to use in the temple. The small Jew and the entire world is to add one most dangerous
jug was not enough for the menorah more candle, and bring a little more
domestic extremist
to stay lit until they could replenish light and positivity into the world. One domestic e xtremist
the stock of pure olive oil. Again, mi- person will continue the chain on to the threat to the nation.
TAKE THE whole days. That is why we celebrate luminated, and we will once again live – “Homeland Threat Assessment,”
raculously, the oil stayed lit for eight
next person until the entire world is il-
in a time when we can light the meno-
with delicious foods cooked in oil, but
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, OCTOBER 2020
rah in the third temple in Jerusalem!
mainly by lighting the menorah. One
NEXT STEP candle on the first night, two on the Happy Chanukah!
Why WE belong

You took the first step by making a legacy commitment, and Having experienced our
we are eternally grateful for your help in ensuring Jewish Federation’s evolution over
tomorrow for our Jewish community. Now, reach out and the years, we look forward Charlottesville, VA; August 2017
ask someone to join you. with pride and positive Photo by Mykal McEldowney

Each one of us can make a difference! anticipation for the future! What are we doing about it?
EDUCATION.
Patti and David Wertheimer

The Robert and Esther Heller Community Relations Committee takes
a firm stand against antisemitism. We use community resources and influence to
combat a rise in antisemitism and anti-Zionist sentiments, which often result in
JFEDSRQ.org/Legacy-Partner-Program aggressive acts and rhetoric against Jews. Through education, advocacy, and building
relationships with the greater community and law enforcement, together we can
combat hatred, bigotry, and harassment of Jews and other minorities.

For more information, visit JFEDSRQ.ORG/hellercrc

JFEDSRQ.org/ProudStrong

For more information, contact Gisele Pintchuck at 941.706.0029 or gpintchuck@jfedsrq.org. jfedsrq.org