Generally, we consider winter to be the ‘dark season’.  This year with the war between Hamas and Israel, I consider things to be really dark.

 

Thankfully, Chanuka has arrived.  The Festival of Lights, where we can illuminate the world, hopefully making this better.  And, so I am going to consider eight items (one for each day of Chanuka) to create even more moments of light to sharewith the world. (You should consider your own list!)

What miracles have I experienced in my life?

Besides the obvious ones surrounding the birth and growth of my three stupendous children, my ability to create wonderful medical, environmental, and general devices to improve our lives and health, there’s my ailment and its course.

Despite having succumbed to necrotizing fasciitis, along with renal, cardiac, and respiratory failure- I am here.  Actually stronger than I have been in a long time.  Moreover, Hashem has spared me any pain during these travails.   If those aren’t miracles, what would you call them?

How can I spread more light in this world?

We all can- by sharing kindness among those we meet.  By offering smiles instead of scowls.  By offering help those who need it.

While my religion doesn’t follow this rule, it is popularly called “Pay it forward’.   Please do- don’t let the bill come due.

How have I amplified my spiritual response to this world?

Between the pandemic, the war between Hamas and Israel, and the rampant anti-Semitism that prevails, I refuse to consider myself helpless.  I have also rejoined two tora discussions each week to increase my knowledge of the tenets of my faith.  I share my knowledge of my faith with others, hoping to spur them on to more knowledge and religious practice.

Am I taking anything for granted?

I do know that dealing with my disease and near-death experiences has amplified my feeling of gratitude in this life.  And, I recall, given the rampant anti-Semitism and attacks upon m co-religionists (as well s those of Islamic faith). the events of my childhood when my home was routinely attacked and I was often the subject of a beating.  I am not taking the omission of these tortures to mean that I can take my current situation for granted.  I need to work and respond to squash potential acts of anti-Semitism (and anti-otherism)

Am I manifesting pride of my religion>

I wear a kipa (and have done so for decades) to let folk be aware of who I am. It also serves as a reminder to me to ensure that my actions can serve a an example, since everyone know who I am.

How am I helping klal Ylsrael (others in my religion Israel)?

I routinely donate money to various causes- both Jewish and non-Jewish. My Jewish charities include my shul, local Jewish communities at risk in America, poor immigrants who need help establishing themselves, the Magen David Adam (The Jewish version of the Red Cross), as well as volunteer to assist Jewish organizations.

What about those folks closest to me?

I routinely invite folks to share diner at my home.  I am very lucky to have three best friends, with whom I share time and events routinely.  That also means finding out how they are feeling given the nature of the world right now

What’s next?

Just like the Makabi who lit the menora, despite knowing they lacked sufficient oil to hold off the darkness until the next batch of pure could be made, I too am not waiting for the ideal moment to make things better.  I will respond now, immediately.

The trick is to start from where we are.  We’ll get to the destination if we keep pressing on.

 

May Hashem protect and shield his people Israel, affording us new miracles to share with and educate others.  That is the way we can amplify the light in this world ; we are to be a light among the nations, and this holiday of Chanuka, the Festival of Lights, reminds us that the time is now.

 

By the way, today is the birthday of my younger brother, Neil Harris Ackerman, Esq.  One of the best bankruptcy lawyers in the state of New York.