Ceremony and Celebration Family Edition, The Hagim, Hanukka, The Second Night, Educational Companion to the Questions
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THE LIGHT OF WAR AND THE LIGHT OF PEACE
Judaism is not a pacifist religion. It believes firmly in the moral justification for war under certain circumstances, such as a war in spiritual or physical self-defence, or a war that has been commanded by God. However, peace is an ultimate value in Judaism, and whenever possible, the peaceful course should be taken.
When we are inevitably faced with challenging situations within the family structure, we learn skills such as negotiation, conflict resolution, and other interpersonal skills that help ensure shalom bayit. All these skills are also essential for ensuring shalom in the wider world when we will undoubtedly face similar situations of conflict.
Perhaps you can offer to help your parents with Ḥanukka preparations, or spend some time thinking about how you can show love to your siblings or other family members (e.g., buying or making presents, or preparing fun activities to do together).
FROM THE THOUGHT OF RABBI SACKS
The family unit is where we learn how to be good people and members of society and how to form relationships with others. It is where we learn to love and be loved. This gives us the skills to love and be loved by others outside of our families. It is where our values are received from the previous generation and transmitted to the next generation, and represents the future of our civilisation. The family unit is the foundation for a healthy society.
The family is a core value in Judaism, and this is seen in the halakha that Rabbi Sacks shared in the first message, where if one only has enough money for one candle, and is faced with the dilemma of using it either for Ḥanukka or as a Shabbat candle, one must light it as a Shabbat candle, because this brings shalom bayit to the family home.
IT ONCE HAPPENED…
They both demonstrated courage and self-sacrifice for their people. They put themselves in harm’s way in order to triumph over the enemies of Israel. Yehudit is a particularly important character for us, as a strong female role model whose dedication to her people ranks alongside her nephew and the other heroic leaders of Israel.
RHYMING RIDDLES
Sufganiyot (doughnuts)
Modi’in
Ḥanukkiya (menora)
Shemen zayit (olive oil)
Sevivon (dreidel)
Shamash
Latkes
Maccabees