The Adams Street Shul

It is a well-known fact that there is nothing secret about the Jewish religion. All our books, lectures and worship gatherings are open to all those who wish to avail themselves of them. On the other hand, we are also not required to publicize and openly proclaim and display our religious activities.  The one and only exception to this rule is the lighting of the Chanukah candles.

We are specifically commanded to kindle our menorahs, if at all possible, at a window which faces the area where the greatest number of passers-by is to be found. The reason is that we are obligated to publicize our victory over the oppression of the Greek Empire, and send the message to the entire world that we stand for the freedom of all people and will fi ght oppression and tyranny wherever we may encounter it.

It would be an act of prudence and wisdom for the bellicose president of Iran and all his ilk to take serious note of these facts. He is part of the pathetic and discredited crowd of Holocaust deniers, and he advocates wiping Israel off the map. At the same time, he is threatening the whole world with the nuclear capabilities that he is rushing to perfect.

It is high time that he and all like him take note of the Chanukah beacons which illuminate the world. He should remember that all tyrants and dictators that made attempts to destroy the Jewish people, each and every one of them, together with their country, have met the same fate —they have gone down in destruction and disgrace.

So this year, let us gather around our menorahs in a spirit of hope, faith, and dedication as we continue to be a beacon of light unto the nations. A JOYOUS CHANUKAH TO ALL OUR CONGREGANTS AND FRIENDS!

--- Rabbi Norbert Weinberg

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