Chanukah
Chanukah, as has been noted many times, celebrates the victory over assimilation. While Purim celebrates the salvation of the body and is celebrated with feasting, Chanukah celebrates the salvation of the soul and is celebrated with light and songs of praise. In many ways, Chanukah is the “official holiday of NCSY.” NCSY celebrates victories in the battle for the Jewish soul every day. And check our new logo for the flame. Coincidence? I think not.
I am particularly excited that with Chanukah comes another edition of NCSY’s Ignite newsletter where you can read about two NCSY alumni, descendants of the Ben Ish Chai, who returned to Torah and re-lit the flame that had dimmed. This Chanukah issue also demonstrates how the flames of Torah once again burn brightly in New Orleans after being nearly extinguished by Katrina – and NCSY is there to fan those flames.
It’s not trite and it’s not a cliche. It was true fifty years ago and it remains true today. “To keep the flame alive…this is the essence of NCSY.” At no time of year is that more apparent than at Chanukah.
Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy Chanukah.
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