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Tell Others, Tell Yourself

12/10/2014

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One of the themes I find most intriguing about Chanukah is pirsumei nisah, literally "publicizing the miracles" of the Jews' salvation from the scourge of mighty Greece.   We light the menorah facing the maximum street traffic to make known the miracles far and wide.

Lest we think we publicize the events simply because they happened long ago (perhaps we forgot?), we bless G-d "who made miracles in those days at this time."  Miracles weren't only ancient phenomena; in our own days G-d shows up in unexpected and wondrous ways.  The candles we kindle are not only a reminder of ancient lights; we encounter miraculous new light today in the gifts of daily Divine insight.  As the verse says, ner Hashem nishmas adam, "the candle of G-d is the soul of man."   G-d's light rest upon us, shines through us. 

This is easy to forget, especially in the context of our simultaneous capacity for darkness.  Lest we get lost, we must tell others and tell ourselves of the miracles and the light. 

With blessings for a Happy Chanuka,
Henry Harris
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A Word About Thanks

12/10/2014

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In their epic confrontation after 22 years of separation, Esav and Yaakov show their cards.

Esav resists Yaakov's gifts by declaring, "I have a lot, my brother."

Yaakov resists Esav's escort with the words, "I have everything."

Esav's words point to the material.  "A lot" is a relative term.  It makes sense only in comparison to others.  It's horizontal.  Esav's satiation comes from stuff and having more than.

Yaakov's words point to a vertical, a depth.  There's no way to explain "everything" in the material realm.  Though many have tried, no one can own all there is.  The real wealth and satiation is coming to us as a gift, a good feeling from beyond.   Yaakov knows to look in a different direction than more stuff.     

We've all tasted of both outlooks.  May we merit to be blessed with thoughts of gratitude and patient calm when those thoughts seem distant.
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