Rabbi's Message

Chanukah, in historical perspective, represents the abiding devotion of Klal Yisroel to Torah ideals and their passionate determination to uphold and sustain them. The miracle of the cruse of oil was but a reflection of the indomitable energy and sublime faith of the Jews of those days.

Judaism itself was saved by that energy and faith and an unwavering determination not to compromise with evil -- not to yield to the powerful forces that wished to undermine Jewish morals, values, and ideals. Our people were saved by individuals who did not surrender in the face of overwhelming numbers and power but chose to take up the battle and fight the fight of Jewish survival. G-d granted them miraculous victory because of that courageous spirit -- that unyielding, unbending, totally committed Jewish spirit. They were victorious because of the few who refused to stand by but rather did what they could; they did what needed to be done. This is the story of Chanukah. This is the story of the Jewish eternity. This is the story of Jewish history.

Today, the tragic events and ominous threats that loom over our people and our beloved Israel demand that this year we answer, as the Chashmonaim of old, with our own renewed, unbending, and unyielding spirit. These circumstances demand that we be the ones who dedicate ourselves to uphold and sustain Torah ideals and the survival of our people. At this critical time in history we dare not stand by passively. We are now the ones who must doe what needs to be done. We are a generation blessed with means and potential that far surpasses any previous generation. We must realize an even greater standard of accomplishment in our support of Israel. We are called on now to do our utmost and to give our best to frustrate the evil machinations of our enemies.

May the light of Chanukah inspire us to be true to our heritage -- to meet great needs with great deeds -- and to light the way to a better and brighter future of Am Yisroel, Klal Yisroel and Medinat Yisroel.