Monday, December 5, 2016

An Anti-Islamophobic Hanerot Hallalu - for Januka 5777

Hanerot halalu anu madlikin In our longest nights, we are reminded of our own darkness.  We become intimately familiar with the moments when we were less than our best selves: we expressed hate, we acted from fear, we stood idly by when others were targeted.  As darkness surrounds us, we cannot escape the dark recesses of ourselves where we harbor our internalized societal hatreds and phobias.  Yet, navigating our inner selves, we search for our flame, that inner place of light and warmth, the Divine spark, however faint or vibrant, that seed of our potential to be better people - that long forgotten inner wellspring of hope.  Finding it, our path forward toward better selves, toward a better world is illuminated, and we need only stay in its warmth.  So we light these lights, acknowledging our potential to create a more just world, reminding ourselves that we need not succumb to the darkness around us or in ourselves.

We light these lights acknowledging that for brief moments in our individual and collective histories, we have experienced moments of great enlightenment: miracles, redemption, and courageous actions, moments of salvation, wonder, and comfort.  Just as those moments light up our history, so to do we affirm the possibility of moments like those in our day, and recommit to creating a world where the darkness of hatred, fear, and ignorance is overwhelmed by the warm light of wholeness.  Like the ancient priests who tended the Temple lights every day, and especially the eight days of the first Festival of Lights, may we, too, come to know the fruit of creating light in the darkness.

We light these lights to publicize our hope for this miracle.  Many of our Muslim, Arab, South Asian, and indigenous neighbors face the darkness of fear, the piercing cold of hatred, and the pain of isolation.  The darkness they face threatens us all.  In the long nights we hear their lingering cry; when morning comes may we greet them with joyous welcome.  We light these lights for these neighbors  - for they are holy, and we do not have permission to use them.  Rather, we must learn to truly see them for who they are, in order to properly praise Your Name, O Merciful One, and experience all the miracles, redemptions, and wonders You yet have in store for us.

This Januka, may the lights we kindle in our homes and in our hearts lead to compassion, understanding, and action.  Then may we dwell in the warm light of Your Presence all the days of our lives.