Community at Temple Israel
Rabbi’s Message – December 26, 2024
One of the most important aspects of Chanukah is Pirsumei Nisa—“publicizing the miracle.” When we light the candles of the chanukiyah (Chanukah menorah), tradition instructs us to place it by a window so the miracle of the oil and the celebration of the rededication of the ancient Temple can be shared with the world. In our home, we make sure at least one of our chanukiyot is prominently displayed in the window. Our children love decorating the window panes, and last year, we added a few glowing inflatable decorations to the mix.
In recent years, I have found that this part of the tradition can bring with it some anxiety. With the steep rise in antisemitism, some members of the Jewish community worry that this visibly marks their home as Jewish and may call unwanted attention. I understand and relate to these concerns, as it is not an easy time to be Jewish. Nevertheless, I pray that we don’t let hate keep us from our traditions. By participating in Pirsumei Nisa, we teach our children not to let fear win over faith.
This tradition is deeply personal to me. My grandmother’s family carried their treasured 150-year-old chanukiyah when they fled Poland during World War II. Through more than five generations, its flames have honored God, celebrated our traditions, and now serve as a tribute to the over 100 members of her family who perished in the Holocaust.
Whenever I travel during Chanukah, I make it a point to honor this tradition. In 1995, while living in Israel, I traveled with friends to Petra and Amman, Jordan. Even there, we brought a travel-sized chanukiyah to fulfill the mitzvah of lighting the candles. More recently, when my immediate family vacationed with extended family in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, we brought everything needed for a family Chanukah celebration: ingredients for latkes, dreidels, chocolate gelt, and, of course, a travel chanukiyah. We were also glad to join the local Jewish community for a public menorah lighting.
It is my hope that when my children grow older, they will carry forward this tradition—spreading the miracle of Chanukkah and embracing their Jewish heritage with pride.