Just a few weeks ago we celebrated Hanukkah, our festival of lights, which commemorates the rededication of the Temple after it had been desecrated by our foes.
As I watched images yesterday afternoon of that mob storming the United States Capitol, I thought of the Temple. I have always felt a sense of awe when visiting the Capitol, the White House, the Supreme Court, or the Lincoln Memorial. These are sacred spaces, not just for us as Americans, but for peoples all over the world who see our nation as a beacon of light and hope.
Yesterday’s events were a desecration, a sacrilege. Photos and video of the attack included images of participants inside our nation’s Capitol waving confederate flags, a man wearing a sweatshirt with “Camp Auschwitz” printed above an image of a skull and crossbones with the phrase “work brings freedom” printed below, and Capitol police standing behind a makeshift barricade with guns drawn defending the entrance to the Senate chamber.
But here’s the lesson of Hanukkah that can help us at this difficult moment: that which has been defiled can be cleansed and made whole.
The work of rededication is one that requires all of our efforts as Americans. During this time of pandemic and unrest, we can help repair the brokenness in our nation by elevating the way we talk to and about one another, by holding our elected officials—including the president—accountable for their words and actions, and by pursuing truth and justice in our personal lives, in our work, and in our role as engaged citizens.
Hanukkah reminds us that we drive away the darkness by striking a match, holding on to hope, and taking action.
We do that work in community and we do that work through prayer. Here’s mine for this moment:
Dear God,
At this time especially, fill us with empathy and compassion so that we might treat our fellow citizens—friends, strangers, those with whom we agree as well as those with whom we disagree—with respect and even love.
Inspire us to pursue justice with strength and determination, holding accountable all those who violate norms of decency, knowingly spread falsehoods, abrogate their civic duty, commit acts of violence or lawlessness or incite others to do so.
Implant within us the desire to walk in Your ways so that we can be Your partners in bringing healing to our nation and our world.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback