Rabbi Aaron Bergman: Faith and policy

Chanukah has lessons for Metro Detroit's problems

This is normally one of the happiest times of the year or at least that time in which we try to act our happiest, at least for the sake of the children. Even if the rest of the year has been difficult, maybe it will at least end well, giving us optimism for the upcoming new year.

This year feels different. The sense of darkness is not lifting easily. Despair is increasing. I know the rest of the country is having a hard time, but for us in the Detroit area -- we are feeling abandoned in many ways by our own government. Congress has begged the financial sector to take billions, while playing games with the auto industry. It is hard not to take things personally. We Detroiters, though, are made of good, stern stuff. We will make it and show the doubters to be wrong.

I would like to share some ideas from the upcoming holiday of Chanukah which might be helpful. The original story takes place in the second century BC. The Holy Land is in the hands of the Seluecids, Assyrians who have embraced the Hellenism of Alexander the Great. They believe that it is wrong to stick to the old traditions. Everyone must now follow one societal ideal. They do not want the Jews to be allowed to keep their ways, nor study their sacred books. Regional differences are no longer valuable, only allegiance to one central authority.

In a small town outside of Jerusalem, a priest named Mattathias and his sons, known as the Maccabees, refuse to give in. When a delegation of Hellenists come to their town to force the Jews into compliance, Mattathias and his family strike back. In the ensuing years they drive the Hellenists out of Jerusalem and reclaim the Holy Temple.

When the Maccabees entered the Temple, they saw that it was desecrated and lay in ruins. They immediately began to repair and clean it. They wanted to light the candelabra, which was lighted every day when the Jews had last controlled the Temple. They found one single flask of oil with the insignia of the last High Priest. It was only enough for one day. It would take at least a week to find more of the required pure olive oil. They decided to light the candelabra, the menorah, anyway. A miracle occurred, and the lights lasted for eight days.

There are three powerful lessons to take out of this. The first is never to give up hope, even when the odds are against us. The power of human potential is so great that it can defy all logic and reason. If we believe we can be successful, we will be.

The second is from the flask of oil. According to Rabbi Dr. Daniel Sperber, it was not the custom of the High Priest to put his insignia on the flask. This High Priest must have known that dark times were coming, and prepared for the future. We often do not think we can make it through today. We learn here, that there is always a future, and not to neglect preparing for it.

The third is from the Maccabees. There was enough light for one day, but it lasted for eight. That is really only a seven-day miracle. We celebrate, though, for eight days. There are some who say that the real miracle is that the Maccabees had enough faith and initiative to light the candles in the first place.

Chanukah is about the demand of the common person to live lives of dignity and meaning. That is who we Detroiters are, too. I pray we all bring the miracle of light to each other.

Rabbi Aaron Bergman is rabbi of Adat Shalom Synagogue in Farmington Hills. Send letters to The News at 615 W. Lafayette, Detroit, MI 48226 or (313) 222-6417 or letters@detnews.com.