To
My Dear Students,
An
ancient debate between Rabbis Hillel and Shammai
reveals the essence of Judaism.
Shammai
instructed his followers to light eight lights
on the first night of Chanukah, seven lights on
the second night, six lights on the third night,
and so on until they would light one light on
the eighth night of Chanukayh.
Hillel
instructed his followers to light one light on
the first night of Chanukah, two lights on the
second night, three lights on the third night,
and so on until they would light eight lights
on the eighth night of Chanukah.
Shammai's
reasoning was realistic: after the Maccabees lit
the light, there was less and less oil on each
succeeding day.
Hillel's
reasoning was optimistic: every succeeding day,
the Maccabees were even more inspired by the miracle
of the light that lasted beyond expectations.
As
we know, Jewish practice follows Rabbi Hillel.
We
want our homes, our lives, our relationships,
to be ever brighter, not less bright, as the days
pass. Ours is a religion of hope that tomorrow
can be brighter than today. The best is
yet to be, our dreams will be realized, our yearnings
will be fulfilled.
That
is why you will never find a "Shammai House"
on a college campus. It is Hillel's
instruction that triumphs. The message of
Chanukah is as he taught: ever more light, for
us and for our world!
Shabbat
Shalom v'Chag Sameach!
Your
Rabbi
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