Rabbi Howard Morrison

The Haftarah for this Shabbat is also read on the Shabbat of Chanukah. Taken from the Prophet Zechariah, the end of the text is familiar, "Not by strength, nor by might, but by my spirit says the Lord of hosts."

The Jewish way has always been defined by spirituality, morality, faith, and truth. Otherwise, how else could we have survived and thrived for four thousand years? Compared to opposing nations, our military has always been substantially smaller to that of our foes. 

Chanukah is perhaps the best example of our history and survival.  The Syrian-Greek Hellenistic Empire was vast compared to the small band of Macabbees. However, as we recite in the Chanukah liturgy, "the many fell into the hands of the few." Ultimately, piety won out over evil.

The Biblical and Chanukah lessons loom true these days. Israel and the world Jewish community are surrounded by evil forces on all sides. Ideological, verbal, and physical threats of terror abound. Yet, we must never lose sight of light versus darkness and right versus wrong. Our people did nothing wrong to deserve the evil of October 7, 2023 and its aftermath. We pray for the ultimate miracle of Chanukah in our challenging times, when the many will fall into the hands of the few.

It is noteworthy that Tuesday this week was the 613^th day of the hostage crisis. There are 613 commandments in our tradition. May we focus on the joy of the Mitzvot- their lessons of spirituality, morality, faith, and truth, even as we must have our small IDF prepared for potential battle. 

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Howard Morrison

Taken at the Nova Exhibition in Toronto