Holiday teaches resilience

More than 30 years ago, psychologist Martin Seligman ran a famous series of experiments with lab rats who gave up trying to escape from an obstacle course because they were frustrated from painful jolts occurring at random times they couldn't control. Seligman named this phenomenon "learned helplessness" and said human beings can also fall into passivity, feelings of helplessness and serious depression if they give up trying after a series of painful events in their lives.

Chanukah, especially the way we are celebrating it this year, can be seen as the story of fighting back against passivity, depression and learned helplessness. Yes, there have been random jolts of terrorism that shocked Israel repeatedly over the last 14 months. Yes, there have been terrible tragedies upsetting all of us on Sept. 11 and ever since. And yes, there have been personal losses, disruptions and economic setbacks.

But Chanukah comes into our homes and our hearts once again with teachings about light, resilience and never giving up on what truly matters in life. We sing songs and remember the heroism of our ancestors who said no to the pressures to assimilate.

At Chanukah as a way to boost our resilience we light candles to bring in holy energies of courage and renewal during the darkest days of December. We remember that our ancestors were absolutely committed to doing their part in scrubbing, painting, rebuilding and repairing the holy place of worship that the opposing armies had destroyed. And we offer thanks that a mysterious loving Presence somehow made the oil that was only enough to burn for one day last for eight instead.

This year as you light the candles with your loved ones and say, "Ha-neirot ha-lah-loo ah-nach-nu mahd-leekeen," which means "we kindle these holy lights because of the wondrous support You brought to our ancestors," think about the kind of holy strength and support you will need to be resilient and committed to goodness in the months to come.

As we emerge from these dark months into renewed light, may you be blessed with the creativity, persistence and wisdom you will need to bring light and healing to the people and situations in your life that need what you can offer.