“Judaism challenges us to live in truth —to live with authenticity, integrity and moral responsibility,” says Rabbi Samantha Natov. “We need courage and strength to bring our sense of what is true to light, even when confronting those who seem not to be listening.”
“When we consider our way of life, the great American institutions of higher learning play a critical role. Conformity and groupthink portend the dangerous decline of liberalism and, with it, the imperilment of freedom itself,” says Rabbi Ammi Hirsch. “Therefore, in a very real sense, the task of a university is to create safe spaces — but I don’t mean what most people mean nowadays…”
On this last Shabbat of 2023, we read about how Joseph came to terms with the treachery of his brothers. “Sometimes our negative experiences help prepare or propel us,” says Rabbi Dalia Samansky. And while “not every negative experience in our life leads to something better, being open to the possibility of growth from our struggles is to believe in hope.”
“Did you know that many of the most popular Christmas songs were written by Jews?” asks Rabbi Rena Rifkin. “Once the chanukiyot have become nothing but a pile of colorful wax, it’s hard to find light.” But “we can be a spark for someone else’s candle… on Christmas, let us help others to bring a glow to the world.”
In this week’s parashah, Pharoah has a peculiar dream about cannibal cows. Rabbi Samantha Natov urges us to consider our own responses to unsatiated needs. “Jealousy, anger, hatred, and rage make demands of us — but feeding these emotions will never satisfy…”
“God’s first act was the creation of light, but human corruption restricts our vision, diminishing the radiance of existence,” says Rabbi Ammi Hirsch. “Our task is to recapture that light. This is the message of Hanukkah: bringing light to a dark world; sustaining hope for humanity.”