The public Menorah Campaign, launched in 1973 by Chabad, will, this year, set up more than 15,000 large public menorahs in more than 100 countries around the world. Many will be positioned in front of landmarks, such as the White House, the Eiffel Tower, and the Kremlin.
This Sunday evening, in Parque Juarez (one of our local landmarks) the San Miguel community will publically light our own monumental menorah. Please come.
The Jewish people won a military and spiritual victory in the second century BCE, renewing Jewish culture. Similarly, the public Menorah Campaign has revitalized widespread observance of the holiday, proclaiming the ultimate triumph of light over darkness and freedom over oppression.
Last year's menorah
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This year SMA's monumental menorah is, again, the creation of local artist and designer Meila Penn, realized by local metalworker Rodolfo Valenzuela Ceballos. It will feature a novel circular design with a gap bridged by a row of lights.
The circle represents the infinite cycle of miracles and blessings in all areas of our lives. The gap alludes to those times when there seems to be a break in that pattern of goodness. The row of lights that bridge the gap in the broken circle signify that during those dark times, we must look for ways to increase our acts of goodness and kindness. Rising to the challenge of those difficult times propels us to greater growth than we could have achieved if all had been smooth sailing.
As a new light is added each night of the holiday, Meila's menorah takes on widely different shapes depending on one's vantage point. This phenomenon of perspective reminds us that we must be ever-mindful of differing opinions, and respectful of those with different worldviews. This is a message especially important in our age of hyperpolarization.
The menorah has a different finish on its two sides. There is a patina on one side and the other is polished. The artist shares that this reflects two sides of Judaism, antiquities and modernism, building on the traditions of the past and living those in a new age, always adapting and progressing. Meila found her inspiration for this in the blessing said while lighting the menorah, thanking G-d for the miracles done "in those days, in these times."
Rabbi Daniel, Raizel and kids
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Two thousand, two hundred years ago, after Alexander's conquests, the Israelites had been forced to abandon their religious beliefs and accept Greek culture. Against all odds, a small band of poorly armed Jews, rebelled. Practicing guerilla warfare, they defeated one of the mightiest armies on earth, driving out the Greeks and rededicating the Temple in Jerusalem.
When they sought to light the Temple's menorah, they found only enough oil, that had escaped contamination, to last for one day. Miraculously, that one-day supply lasted for eight days, until new oil could be prepared.
Rabbi Daniel Huebner, Director of Chabad of SMA, tells us his two favorite messages from the holiday:
"First, never be afraid to stand up for what is right. The small band of Jews faced daunting odds, but that didn't stop them. With a prayer on their lips and faith in their heart, they entered the battle of their lives—and won. We can do the same."
"Second, we always need to increase in matters of goodness and mitzvot [righteous observance]. While a single light was enough for yesterday, today we need to find a way to add to that, to increase our level of commitment."
Come to Parque Juarez Sunday evening to start the holiday together. Come every evening through the following Sunday, when all eight flames will be glowing, when the menorah can be seen at its best. Or get a menorah from Rabbi Daniel, so that each evening at home you can add to the light of Hanukkah, and your own personal renewal.
Contact Rabbi Daniel, rabbi@chabadsma.com, or come to the park to get your menorah.
Detail of last year's menorah
