This Chanukah, when tragedy has stricken our people, it is not enough for us to say that we will keep light burning in this dark world by “being a light” through personal practice or acts of kindness. Don’t get me wrong – this is an essential part of our response. But it is not a sustainable strategy for our nation to turn inwards and continue our everyday lives while passively hoping nothing terrible will happen to our people yet again. 

In Judaism, having hope is not merely a feeling about the future; it is a commitment to act in the present in the belief that, together, we can change the world for the better. Rabbi Sacks zt”l  explains this in To Heal a Fractured World.¹

In his almost prophetic book, Future Tense, Rabbi Sacks gives a jolting warning. He says: “If Jews fail to make their voice heard, there will not be silence. The space will be filled by other voices not always sympathetic to Jews ”²

At a time in which our voice feels lost, it is time for us to find it and reclaim it with conviction. It is time to say: Enough. This false, inverted narrative has done enough harm. And it is of the essence in this moment for us to act.

“Arise, united and gather your strength” the great poet, Bialik, called. 

This Chanukah, a different kind of Maccabean fight is needed. 

One in which we release our focus on the differences that divide us, and unite in a movement of education – starting with ourselves. 

Education has been a pillar of our nation’s resilience through adversity throughout the........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)