The light shines for everyone

The celebration of Chanukah commemorates the story of Judah Maccabee, who led his tribe in rebellion of the Seleucid Army. The Seleucids forbade Jewish religious observance, eventually destroying or desecrating the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, our most Holy site. Once the rebellion was over, the Jews of the region began rebuilding in preparation to rededicate their Temple to God.

The tale of Chanukah tells that during the reconstruction, just one jar of oil was found amid the rubble … too small an amount to keep the Temple's Eternal Light burning for the eight days needed to purify more oil for the Eternal Light. Miraculously, the oil burned bright for eight days while the Temple was restored and new oil purified.

While it is a wonderful celebration of religious freedom and the power of God, Chanukah is considered a minor holiday. Few rituals surround the commemoration; we light a Chanukiyah (a special menorah for Chanukah that has nine branches - eight symbolizing each day and also a 'helper” candle called the shamash) and recite a blessing thanking God for the miracle. We start with one candle and add additional candles over the course of eight nights. The Chanukiyah is then placed in a window facing the street for all to enjoy. There are other traditions, like eating foods fried in oil and playing dreidel, but these developed over time as part of the celebration.

The story of Chanukah and the victory it celebrates has always resonated with my American heart and my Jewish soul. Chanukah celebrates the triumph of religious freedom. America, too, is a triumph of religious freedom. The right of religious expression has allowed Judaism and a multitude of religions to thrive in this country. My people, in particular, though all of us too, owe a great deal to the vigilance with which American society has defended and guarded everyone's right to practice their own religion or not practice one at all.

Chanukah is a holiday of religious freedom for all religions. We know this because of the ritual of placing the Chanukiyah in a window where it faces the street. The light of Chanukah is meant for everyone. Whatever you celebrate in your home, I wish you freedom, blessings and peace.

' Todd Thalblum is the rabbi of Temple Judah in Cedar Rapids, Comments: rabbi@templejudah.org