Shalom Desmon - Gainesville City Commissioner District I,
This evening is Chanukah and you are gathered around the Menorah, surrounded by loved ones, basking in the glow of its warm, mesmerizing, flickering lights. Perhaps you sing a Chanukah song, exchange gifts, or play dreidel, watching the flames dance before you. The atmosphere is filled with magic and meaning.
But wait… do you hear that? The candles seem to be whispering.
Does your Menorah speak to you? These ancient flames carry a timeless message. They hold the weight of thousands of years of history and echo the hopes and dreams of the countless Jews who have lit them before you. If you listen closely, you can hear them telling a story that remains ever-relevant.
They recount the tale of the Maccabees and their fight for religious freedom, of a people struggling to keep the light of their religion aflame against the tide of Hellenization. They speak of our ancestors' desire to reclaim their Temple and light the Menorah with a tiny flask of pure oil, and of the Divine miracle that kept the flames burning for eight days.
In the blessing we recite when lighting the Menorah, we say: "She'asa Nisim La’avoteinu Bayamim Hahein Bizman Hazeh" — G-d performed miracles for our ancestors back then, and will do so again today.
Though the Chanukah story happened once, it is relived every year. The candles share the same story, but their message changes with each generation, each year, and each home. The flames may always tell the same tale, but what they mean shifts depending on the time and the listener.
Some may hear the candles urging resilience in the face of hate and antisemitism. Others might hear a call to delve into Torah and find spiritual depth and life meaning and purpose. For some, the flames may speak of Israel’s eternal victory, or of G-d's watchful providence. In other homes, some might hear a call to remain steadfast in their faith against overwhelming odds. And others hear a plea to bring more light into the world through Mitzvot good deeds.
As you reflect on the messages of the Menorah flames, consider the powerful testimony of some of our students who are currently in Poland, standing at the very sites where the horrors of the Holocaust unfolded. They bear witness to the unimaginable suffering endured by our ancestors, but also to their resilience, courage, and unbreakable spirit. These students carry with them not just the stories of tragedy, but also the legacy of Jewish pride—the pride of a people who, despite everything, have persevered and thrived. Their voices, echoing from the remnants of history, are a reminder that the light of the Jewish people will never be extinguished, and that we must continue to honor the memory of those who perished by living with strength and pride in our faith and heritage.
And as you light the Menorah this evening and each night throughout Chanukah, take a moment to listen. What do the flickering flames have to say to you? Am Yisroel Chai – with prayers for the safety of the IDF soldiers, the hostages and all good people throughout the world. Happy Chanukah and Go Gators!
For anything, please don't hesitate to reach out to us any time.
Rabbi Berl Goldman Rabbi@JewishGator.com (352)256-3323
Chanie Goldman Chanie@JewishGator.com (352)219-5908
Rabbi Aharon Notik RabbiA@JewishGator.com (352)219-7621
Pessie Notik Pessie@JewishGator.com (704)299-692
Rabbi Meyer Brook RabbiMB@JewishGator.com (917)803-8479
Mushka Brook Mushka@JewishGator.com (352)642-2512
Rabbi Mendel Goldman RabbiM@JewishGator.com (352)642)2482
Chaya'le Goldman Chayale@JewishGator.com (347)786-4900 | 
