Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1437729
RABBINIC PERSPECTIVES ON CHANUKAH AND CHRISTMAS "With our children grown, Chanukah is quieter. Rabbis in the Talmud spoke of lighting the chanukiah in the window to publicize the miracle as way of saying this is who I am, this is important to me. When Christians display their lights they're doing the same, celebrating who they are. When we want to make the world a better place, we shine a light in the darkness. The winter holidays are a cultural opportunity to celebrate and enjoy each other's holiday. We know that Christmas is not our holiday, but we can appreciate the beauty. It's so positive, and for me, the promise of America." — RABBI AAARON RUBINSTEIN, CONGREGATION SHA'AREY ISRAEL, MACON "Chanukah was the first historical event that we know of that was a struggle between a totalitarian, maniacal monarch and people who wanted to practice their own religion in the way they saw fit. Chanukah is a counter-cultural celebration. Traditionally, there is no synagogue observance or celebration connected with Chanukah. It's observed as a family event. What's important for me is a return to spiritual overtones, as opposed to enormous consumption and over-emphasis on gift-giving. Both Chanukah and Christmas have origins in the winter solstice — although there's great darkness, the light eventually returns." — RABBI JAY HEYMAN, FORMER RABBI AT TEMPLE BETH ISRAEL "I want to ensure that Chanukah is a time of light, that it's filled with uplifting experiences during the darkest time of the year. This includes latkes, singing fun songs and playing dreydl. This year at the Temple we're hosting a family dinner and are having a family fun day. It's important to me that we engage with each other and be a light for each other. I focus on building connections and relationships, which is imperative for our happiness and wellbeing. My second thrust is encouraging people to be the highest version of themselves." — RABBI ELIZABETH BAHAR, TEMPLE BETH ISRAEL, MACON SUBSCRIBE ONLINE: maconmagazine.com maconmagazine.com 83