Dr. Jonathan Dzik, leading Chanukah songs, Copyright © Robert Kalfus
The Jewish holiday of Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, starts this year at sundown on Sunday, Dec. 14, and concludes on Dec. 22 The Lubavitcher Rebbe wrote regarding Chanukah and religious freedom in our United States of America:
“The Chanukah Lights remind us in a most obvious way that illumination begins at home, within oneself and one’s family, by increasing and intensifying the light of the Torah and Mitzvos in the everyday experience, even as the Chanukah Lights are kindled in growing numbers from day to day. But though it begins at home, it does not stop there. Such is the nature of light that when one kindles a light for one’s own benefit, it benefits also all who are in the vicinity. Indeed, the Chanukah Lights are expressly meant to illuminate the “outside,” symbolically alluding to the duty to bring light also to those who, for one reason or another, still walk in darkness.What is true of the individual is true of a nation, especially this great United States, united under G‑d, and generously blessed by G‑d with material as well as spiritual riches. It is surely the duty and privilege of this Nation to promote all the forces of light both at home and abroad, and in a steadily growing measure.Let us pray that the message of the Chanukah Lights will illuminate the everyday life of everyone personally, and of the society at large, for a brighter life in every respect, both materially and spiritually.With esteem and blessing in the spirit of Chanukah,” [Signed] Rabbi Menachem Schneerson”
