Articles

"Hanukkah Sameach!" that is Happy Hannukkah

Chanukah, the Festival of Lights (December 6-December14)

The story of the Maccabean revolt against the Syrian Greeks is not included in the Hebrew Bible (a.k.a. the “Old Testament”). However, the Apocryphal books of 1 and 2 Maccabees, and the historical writings of Flavius Josephus, capture the essence of the Jewish rebellion against Hellenism in the 2nd century B.C.E. Later, the Rabbis of the Talmud, in the early centuries of the Common Era, described the miracle of the oil. When the Maccabees came to rededicate the Temple, there was only 1 day’s measure of proper oil, yet miraculously it burned for the entire 8 days of their festival. Whether one believes literally in that ancient miracle, it is fitting at this season to celebrate God’s presence in our lives, as we kindle the lights of Chanukah.

Chanukah is in fact what we call a “Minor Festival” in Jewish calendar. Like Purim, when we read the Biblical book of Esther, we have joyful celebrations. However, we are not asked to abstain from work and everyday responsibilities, as we do with our fall High Holy Days and “Major Festivals” like Passover in the spring. The celebratory co-exists with the ordinary.

As Chanukah in North America has developed against the backdrop of Christmas, this blending of sacred and every day is an apt metaphor for our modern Chanukah rituals. Some resist the gift-giving and other borrowed traditions as unnecessary assimilation to the Christmas holiday culture. Yet others embrace the festive celebration, when Jewish children eagerly share their own 8-day celebration as a symbol of pride in their Jewish identity.

Whatever your motivation and understanding of Chanukah, at this joyful time of year, we can all appreciate the religious freedom of our society. That we can all enjoy and celebrate each other’s religious cultures, is a true miracle indeed.

Gust Blogger: Rabbi Debra Stahlberg Dressler, Temple Israel of London.rabbi.dressler@templeisraellondon.ca

“Come among us, Holy One, come …”

Advent/Christmas is the time when we celebrate the coming of the Christ into our world, and Advent specifically recognizes and calls us to an awareness of our need for God’s presence in our lives and our society. John the Baptist and the prophet Baruch both highlight that need. Baruch advises the casting off of sorrow and affliction to put on the beauty of God’s glory and the robe of righteousness; he suggests that we stand upon the heights, not in some hidden obscure corner, but to stand where our voice can be heard. We are assured of God’s invitation to this endeavor with the promise of light and peace.

Righteousness is not a term often used today, but that doesn’t mean it is no longer needed in our world. Righteousness points us in the right direction, smooths the obscurities in a circuitous path and proclaims the right course of action, hence the valleys of greed and prejudice become filled up and the everlasting hills of self-seeking and domination are made low. These smoothed-out ways allow the safe arrival of refugees to our country and the low-income person to receive a just wage. Righteousness is a personal quality found in one who is attentive to God’s ways, who lives in faithfulness and gratitude. Righteousness longs for the well-being of Earth and earthlings. It is found where God dwells and keeps company with truth, justice and compassionate thoughtful action.    

Psalm 26 reminds us of the ongoing deeds of our God accompanied by the call to laughter and peace. Our gratitude brings us in touch with those marvelous deeds. We not only recall the pregnant Mary and Elizabeth, but we are reminded of the wisdom of Francis who inspires us daily with his commitment to the poor and his desire for righteous living on the part of the church.

John’s call resounds today throughout our world, “Prepare God’s ways; make God’s paths straight.” As we prepare for the celebration of Christmas, may our hearts and minds be ever open to the challenge of climate change and our response to it. May we seek the ways of compassion and openness as we greet the stranger in our midst. May we allow our hearts and our hands to be quiet as we listen for the calming presence of God’s call in this Advent time: “Come among us, Holy One, come …”

Sister Helen Russell, csj

Less We Forget

Oh what a strange world we live in, especially at this time of year. For starters December 8th! What came to mind?  Well you say the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.  WRONG!  According to TV, it is the celebration of Victoria Secret’s Fashion Show!

All kinds of holiday sales and parties – no hint of advent let alone anticipation of the Birth of the Christ Child.  Jesus doesn’t need to offer sales – His gift of Himself is totally free.

Stables are replaced by Santa’s Toyland.  Angels by elves, innkeeper by sales clerks. Music we no longer understand instead of songs like Silent Night, Away in a Manger, A Child is Born.

The Gift of Christ has no expiry date and no need for batteries.

Remember the phrases ‘Jesus is the Reason for the Season’ and one we can really use today ‘Let’s put CHRIST back into CHRISTMAS’.

Sr. Barbara Vaughan

Celebration, Family and Poetry

On November 4th, 2015 Family Service Thames Valley held its 75th anniversary breakfast celebration and fundraiser. Over 200 people attended the festivities at Western Fair District, Carousel Room. A unique part of this event was an on-the-spot development of a creative piece by a London spoken word poet, Holly Painter. She invited all present to contribute adjectives which describe successful families. She collected all the submissions and used them as the “ingredients” to form the backbone of her poem, “Recipe for Family”. At the conclusion of the celebration, Holly delivered her completed work of art in typical spoken word poet style.

'Recipe for Family'* © Holly Painter 2015

I open the recipe book and search for the ingredients for family. The passed down pages, ear-marked and cherished; there it is: Start with a large mixing bowl with a layer of acceptance, security, and trust as the base. Add two tablespoons of self-love with a matching dash of compassion, four cups of endless patience (if you don't have endless, boundless will do). Next, one and a half cups of fun and laughter will give you a frothy start, stir in some support, like roots, like wings. Now, the most important addition: a bucket of love. You may think a bucket is too much, but trust me on this one. Knead it until it is like a knot, an unbreakable mountain. Put in a pinch of persistent cuddles. Tabasco is optional, but in my opinion every family needs a little bit of spice. Tilt the bowl as you stir, make the ingredients lean on each other, it will make them stronger. Finally, sprinkle on some okra, a binding agent that holds the whole thing together.

Bake at three hundred and sixty degrees, for life. Take a peek as it cooks. You may see your ingredients have risen to look like a family sitting together, a delicious meal spread across the kitchen table. If you glance earlier on, it might appear as a young couple moving into a home they plan to raise their children in, listening to the walls and each other from the heart. You should see lots of laughter and joy, filling the air like the sound of trees when they are hugged or a pet sleeping at your feet. Don't be nervous if your family doesn't look like your neighbour’s. These portraits look different each time because of unique binding, don't worry if your masterpiece spills over the side with some yelling and crying, struggle or strife, it will make old comfort more delicious when you taste it, now taste it. Share it with a friend.

Lastly, be open and creative to add to the equation if it isn't perfect to your heart. Remember this recipe is a work of art.

 * Poem created with audience participation at Family Service Thames Valley's 75th anniversary breakfast fundraising event, November 4th, 2015. www.hollypainterpoetry.com

Jean Moylan CSJ