This afternoon, I spent some time at my big brother's house. It was a celebration. Beer was poured, pie was served and there was salmon. All the food groups were present. But the occasion for the occasion wasn't simply a Channukah get together -- it was the engagement party for one of his daughters. And some guy. Whatever. Anyhoo, it got me to thinking (danger, danger...yeah yeah).
While there, I watched my brother light the candles and usher in the 8th day of Channukah. Channukah is a celebration of the miracle of survival. The dedication and re-dedication of us as a Jewish people to a life imbued with the light of Torah and the vision to see miracles all around us. This eighth day, though, has an even deeper identity. This last day is called "Zos Channukah".
As I sat in the house, watching people eat latkes, tiramisu and sesame noodles, basking in the glow of candles, lights and each other, as I saw two young people who love and respect each other and who are preparing to dedicate their own house among the Jewish people, as I witnessed a testament to the survival of a people and its beliefs and practices, I understood this eighth day.
All of this, all this love, and light, all this starting new and continuing tradition, all the remembering those we have lost while re-dedicating ourselves to building a solid future, Zos Channukah - this is what Channukah is all about.
So to the future chatan and kallah, to their families and to the entire of klal Yisrael, I wish a mazal tov. May we all share in the miracle that allows the light which was supposed to last only 8 days to continue unceasingly into the future so that everyday can be Zos Channukah.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment
Feel free to comment and understand that no matter what you type, I still think you are a robot.