Rabbi's Musings

As we enter the latter half of December, we know that the days are short and the nights are long. In addition, this year the moon is growing smaller each night, leading to more darkness and less light. What a great moment for a festival that celebrates light. Both Christmas and Chanukah are festivals of light that ironically occur in the darkest time of the year. Light is a spiritual metaphor in most religions. The light of human awareness, of God’s presence, is a prime source of strength and inspiration for humanity.

When we read the Bible, we note that God created the sun and stars on the fourth day of Creation. And yet light was created on the first day. The ancient Rabbis pondered what light was created on the first day if not the sun and stars. They decided it was the light of divine inspiration. When we celebrate a festival of light we remember that God’s presence is with us, especially on the darkest of nights.

We are partners with God in banishing the darkness of prejudice, intolerance, and enmity and bringing the light of goodness, tolerance, and compassion. For all of us may the days ahead shine brightly as a starburst of righteousness. Especially in the darkest of nights we abide by God’s eternal presence.