A long time ago, plans were drawn up for the design of a community’s new synagogue. At its dedication, everyone came and marveled at the building’s breathtaking beauty. It wasn’t long, however, before someone noticed the building had no light. “Where are the lamps?” someone asked. “How will our new synagogue be lit?” The rabbi indicated a number of brackets that had been mounted on the walls at regular intervals throughout the building. The rabbi then presented each family with a lamp that they were to carry with them whenever they came to the synagogue. “When you are not here,” the rabbi said, “part of this synagogue will not be lit. When you remain at home, especially when our community needs you, some part of God’s house will be dark.”
This story comes to teach us that, precisely at the darkest of times, it is incumbent upon us to each bring a little of the light we possess, so that it may shine brighter when combined with the flames of those we love around us.
This year, more than ever, we need one another to carry the torch and shine light into the darkness following these extraordinarily challenging last few months.
The symbol of light is particularly poignant and powerful at our upcoming festival of Channukah, being representative of our hope that there are better days ahead and a sign of unity that we are stronger when our flames shine together as one.
We come to understand that we each play our important part in “lighting the synagogue”, through contributing just a small piece of ourselves to building up God’s house – our people, and our community – as we strengthen one another through sharing our gifts, skills, and interests.
Thankfully, in the leadup to and throughout Channukah, we have planned many ways in which we can do this. This includes our Gifts of Light concert this coming Sunday, the rally for Israel in Ottawa on Monday, our Lights of the Temple initiative, the Ignite! Tikkun Leil Channukah, a “Lots of Light” family event at Fort York on Saturday night, and our Family “Funukah” celebration on Sunday morning. For those details and more, check our website here.
(Early) Chag Urim Sameach!
