“They tried to kill us, we won, let’s eat.”
While that popular distillation of Jewish holidays is certainly glib and a poor summation of Judaism, it captures the spirit of fortitude and humor that has sustained us through countless sieges and pogroms in our long history.
But as we approach Chanukah 5762, which begins Sunday night, it’s difficult to smile — and it’s also difficult to rejoice. The world is once again in turmoil, and they are still trying to kill us — here and in Israel.
Just last weekend, 26 Israelis were killed in terrorist incidents. At home, warnings of terrorist threats continue, even as we continue to cope with the aftermath of Sept. 11 and economic recession. And in Afghanistan, we are engaged in battle against a brutal regime that has channeled its hatred into senseless violence.
Meanwhile, Yasser Arafat poses in the world community as the leader of the Palestinians, yet he claims he is unable to stop the terror attacks promulgated by such groups as Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah and other factions. Israel can no longer buy that argument. To do so would be suicidal.
There is no question that these are dark times. Israel is under siege and so is America. Yet it was in such dark times that the miracle of Chanukah occurred.
The lessons of the Maccabees — and of the fighters in the Warsaw Ghetto uprising as well as those who helped found the Jewish homeland — are that we have the right to survive. We have the right to defend ourselves against attacks. And while the next few months and perhaps the next few years may be difficult, there is no doubt that the Jewish state will survive and our own country will quash the bin Ladens of the world.
So let’s light a candle Sunday night and pray for the courage to sustain us during these dark days. Let’s enjoy our latkes and other comfort foods, remembering that we as a people have weathered worse. And despite everything, let’s see what we can all do to bring joy into our world. Because ultimately, we believe we will win.
Happy Chanukah.