Rabbi Levi Katz. Submitted photo
Have you ever noticed how even a small flame can light up an entire room?
This year, Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, begins at sundown on Dec. 25 and continues for eight days, concluding at sundown Thursday, Jan. 2. It marks an event that occurred over 2,100 years ago, when a small but determined group of Jews known as the Maccabees triumphed over the mighty Greek empire, which sought to suppress their faith and culture. The victory was not only a miraculous military achievement but a spiritual one, marking the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after it had been desecrated. Wanting to light the temple's Menorah—a seven-branched candelabra—they discovered that all the sacred oil had been contaminated. Miraculously, they found one small jug of pure oil, barely enough to last a single day. Yet, the Menorah burned for eight days.
Here in Amelia Island, as in countless communities around the world, the holiday is marked with the lighting of the Hanukkah menorah, an eight-branched candelabra with an additional “helper” candle called the shamash. A blessing is recited while adding another candle each night, so that by the eighth night all eight candles are burning bright. This simple act serves as a reminder of the triumph of freedom over oppression, of light over darkness and of good over evil.
However, the message of Hanukkah extends far beyond the history and rituals. It reminds us that even a small amount of light can dispel a tremendous amount of darkness.
Darkness comes in many forms, whether it is conflict, injustice, or even the quieter struggles we keep to ourselves. Rather than responding to darkness with more darkness, the prescription is to light a flame, let its glow radiate outwards.
In Jewish tradition, this light begins at home. The menorah is placed in a window or another visible spot to share its glow with the world. But the light is not meant to stop there. It is a call to action for each of us to bring light into our own lives and the lives of the people around us, speaking to the shared human responsibility to illuminate our world with goodness and kindness.
Just as the flames of the menorah light up the space around them, so too acts of goodness and kindness spread outward, touching lives in ways we may never fully see. It is this that forms the very bedrock of community, which we cherish so deeply here on Amelia Island. Whether through supporting neighbors in need, engaging in local causes, or simply sharing moments of joy and connection, each of us has the power to light up our corner of the world.
So this Hanukkah, as you enjoy a plate of crispy latkes (potato pancakes), or a tasty sufganiyah (jelly doughnut), think about how you can bring a little more light into the world. In a time when darkness often feels all too present, creating a little light around you can make all the difference.
The Chabad Jewish Center invites the public to join a community menorah lighting at Pocket Park, 209 Centre St, Dec. 26 at 5 p.m. Please reach out at the email below for more information or to receive a free Menorah kit.
Rabbi Levi Katz moved to Fernandina Beach in November 2023 together with his wife Mindy and son Sholom to establish the Chabad Jewish Center of Amelia Island and Nassau County. He can be reached at Rabbi@ChabadAmeliaIsland.com.