Chanukah is the festival of lights, a time of great illumination--in both the physical sense (as embodied in the candles of the menorah we kindle at nightfall), and in the spiritual sense of (re)opening our eyes and hearts to appreciate the hand of G-d in Jewish history. But as we enjoy the glow of that steadily increasing light--and, indeed, as part of that very experience enjoyment--we also need to think about the tremendous darkness that preceded the miraculous salvation. It was a time of terrible decrees and persecution against us, focusing on stamping out observance of the Torah and its commandments, our unique (and holy) Jewish way of life that stood opposed to the prevailing pagan, Hellenistic culture of the time. The joy we feel today as we celebrate Chanukah should surely include our gratitude to be living in a time (by and large) of being able to proudly and openly observe the Torah, and practice our Judaism.

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