Not the Last Flash of Light!

As Chanukah comes to a close, I heard the terrible news of the violent protests surrounding the Israeli Military’s attack on several Gaza targets.

These actions are disgraceful.

It bothers me that people protest the actions of a sovereign nation doing what it must to ensure its defense. Particularly defending against darkness.

Chanukah is all about eliminating the darkness from the world and replacing it with light. These protests only serve to prove that our mitzvos of Chanukah must continue, nay, be redoubled, during the rest of the year.

I once heard an interesting story, I believe originally from the Laws concerning Chanukah, that we should light the candles in descending order by lighting eight first then go backwards to lighting just one. As our Sages pointed out, however, the mitzvah of Chanukah is to increase the light in this world, not the other way around.

With H-shem’s blessings, Chanukah lights were lit in Mumbai, India near the site of the recent tragedies.

Awesome.

Being a Jew who lives in the Philadelphia area, I, and all of the Jews in this region, get the privilege of seeing the world’s largest Chanukah Menorah get lit every year.

Yet more can and must be done.

Every Jew has the ability to light a Menorah for the world and for themselves everyday.

Why do I say such a thing?

Well, life isn’t pretty. We see things and sometimes say things that are darker than the blackest of nights. We yell at people on the road who do stupid things. We see our efforts get ignored by our bosses and other people. We yell at friends and family for various reasons.

Instead, let’s thank G-d that someone hasn’t been physically harmed. Let’s thank our bosses and others when they recognize the good things we do. Let’s say sorry for those hurtful words we in truth don’t mean.

That’s how you add light.

That’s how you dispel darkness.

That’s how you honor G-d, your neighbor, your fellow Jew and those closest to you.

That’s also how we merit the coming of the Moshiach speedily in our time.

~To see more and get more (and, honestly, more accurate) information, please visit and learn from Lubavitch.com and Chabad.org.~

The Righteous March into Gan Eden

Yesterday, the victims of the Mumbai massacre (HY”D) were lay to rest.

Zichronim L’vrocho.

Now, with our tears shed, and our hearts still aching, we turn to H-shem for the reassurance that their bold, unwitting sacrifice will enliven us for the good that is ever-present in us.

The speeches at yesterday’s funeral were meaningful and inspiring. It is now our turn not to mourn the dead but to celebrate and emulate what they did in their lifetime.

And before we start arguing over which State dignitary did or did not show to whose funeral, let us remind ourselves that each person is loved and appreciated the same especially once the soul has departed for Gan Eden.

We must keep our focus on doing those things the deceased can no longer do:

We’re still here. Boruch H-shem. We can still inspire the whole world for goodness. Boruch H-shem. We still have Jews who need a fellow Jew’s guidance in focusing their lives toward H-shem and His Torah.

You may then ask yourself, “What can I do?”

PLENTY!!!!

The Rebbe Shlit”a Menachem Mendel Schneerson taught us that it is the effort that counts. Just as much as the appropriate action. Your efforts for good and for Torah and for your fellow Jew go to lengths and into Spheres we can barely identify.

The Alter Rebbe (the first Lubavitcher Rebbe) taught that although our mitzvos and kavanos of the mind and speech are essential to their completion, it is the action that lifts the mundane, coarse objects we have around us into the Holiest and loftiest things known in all Creation.

So, study Torah with someone. Over the phone, or in person. Find a friend to talk to about those things that trouble you or don’t make sense.

Our Sages teach us: Aseh L’cho Rav U’kneh L’cho Chaver. Make for yourself a Rav (teacher) and acquire for yourself a Chaver (friend).

Achieve these two things, and you’ll begin to see this gashmiusdike (physical) world as wonderful, bright place to live and lift. Not the scary, dark hole (Chas V’sholom) some say it is.

May this post and what you learn from it merit for the coming of Moshiach speedily in our times.