In this season of miracles, I am so thankful for the miracles in my life, the life of our synagogue and in the Jewish story itself. Let’s say it clearly: Our being here was never inevitable. Each one of us lives only because of the countless miracles that enabled our very existence. Think of all that your grandparents overcame or your parents overcame in their own time. Think of how much had to happen in order for us to be living, breathing Jews in the closing weeks of 2024. Think of all that had to happen in order for there to still be a Jewish people on earth. It means Pharaoh didn’t win and Haman didn’t win and countless dictators throughout history didn’t win. Hitler didn’t win, though he came close. In our own time, Hamas is not winning, nor is Hezbollah, nor is Iran. How do we know? We’re still here! Israel is still here! 

We need to be clear: Israel is a miracle. This tiny sliver of land, surrounded by enemies, threatened endlessly by war and destruction, continues to breathe life. This tiny sliver of land continues to ward off the world’s detractors, from the U.N. to college students who speak in thinly veiled anti-Semitic tones to the relentless noisemakers on social media. Is Israel perfect? No. Is Israel’s leadership perfect? Certainly not. Do the democratic institutions of Israel allow for our collective expression of protest and pushback? Yes. Is Israel a place of abounding diversity, art, culture, history, literature, architecture, food, religiosity, secularism, poetry, nature and wonder? Absolutely yes. 

It has been a very long year. For many, it has been a very painful year. We’ve lost loved ones. We’ve seen such hate. We’ve experienced pains personal, communal, physical and emotional. As we approach Hanukkah, I encourage you to see your story as the miracle that it is. Look at your strength. Look at your sense of resolve. You are as bright and bold as the lights of the Hanukkiah.  Your inner-courage, your inner-spirit, your inner-resolve are all so real. God has brought us to this moment in time, but so have you. So has your audacious bravery. As we look at those shining lights, let’s give ourselves the chance to recognize the miracles in ourselves, in our lives and in each other. May it truly be a season of light and love for all of us.