Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family, 

Most Jews recite the second Chanukah candlelighting blessing the way it appears in most Siddurim, ". . . Who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this season."

This blessing, whose words also appear in the Al Hanisim prayer, reflect  the many miracles associated with Chanukah.

Did you know, however, that the very first printed Siddur in the tenth century added a "Vav," meaning, "And," before the last two Hebrew words of the second blessing. The translation then becomes ". .   Who performed miracles for our ancestors AND in this time."

What is the practical difference? We are either thanking God for miracles in antiquity only or in our time as well.

It  is noteworthy that the Al Hanisim passage, which includes the words of the second blessing, is appended to the blessing of gratitude, which includes the words, "and for Your miracles which are with us every day."

When I light the Chanukiah, I thank God for the continuous miracle of Judaism and the Jewish people. I thank God for the miracle of the State of Israel. During this pandemic, I thank God for the miraculous ways we are staying connected and caring for each other.

What a difference the letter Vav (and) can make in our lives!

I wish everyone a healthy and joyous Chanukah.

Chag Urim Sameach,

Rabbi Howard Morrison