Minister’s Column
This week is the celebration of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, commemorating the ancient time when Jews were in a war-time siege and the little oil they had for their lamps miraculously lasted for eight days instead of one. A minor religious holiday in Israel, Hanukkah has great prominence in the U.S. because of its proximity to Christmas on the calendar. Including both Christmas and Hanukkah in public recognitions of December holidays is a symbolic gesture of honoring religious diversity. Often it feels to me like religious diversity in mainstream America is limited to Jewish and Christian religion—and that the recognition of Judaism is limited to Hanukkah. Little by little, a few other (non-Christian) holidays are finding their way into American consciousness. Ramadan is one that more Americans are becoming aware of—certainly more than a few decades ago.
At this moment, Hanukkah celebrations are tempered by the fact that Israel is engulfed in a horrible military conflict with Hamas, and that antisemitic speech is on the rise here in the U.S. The Anti Defamation League tracks antisemitic speech and actions (such as vandalism,) and reports that both are at all-time high numbers since the October 7 Hamas attack (as reported on their website adl.org.)
Unitarian Universalists have a history of supporting both Israel and Palestine, including being critical of aggressive Jewish settlement programs in the region. This has led to deep disagreements in UU spaces. Indeed, in the current conflict there are passionate feelings and differences of opinion among UU laypeople and clergy. The UU Association has published a discussion guide called “Template: Congregational Conversations on Israel/Palestine” that outlines a comprehensive process for hosting a discussion in UU spaces. It calls for skilled facilitation, grounding and ground rules, and a spirit of sharing rather than debating. Some of the core questions that such a conversation would include are:
- What is on your heart right now as we gather? What feelings have been most present for you as you’ve followed what’s been happening in Israel and Palestine?
- How does your own constellation of identities, experiences, and familial/cultural inheritances shape your experience of the current conflict in Israel/Palestine?
- What have you learned or been taught about what is happening in Palestine and Israel?
- How does grief for human suffering inform your response?
- What do you see as your obligation as a person living in the United States?
To me, these questions and this way of thinking offer a way into our humanity as we contemplate the terrible conflict and its humanitarian cost. As a people of love, I believe that Unitarian Universalists must be centered in minimizing human suffering.
Happy Hanukkah to all who celebrate. To my Jewish friends and loved ones, and to all Jews around the world: may the light of the menorah shine on you to bring good health to you and your family, to bring love to your heart, and to bring peace to the world. May it be so.
PRAYER:
This is the English translation of the Hebrew prayer said with the lighting of the Hanukkah candles:
Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the Chanukah light.
Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who performed miracles for our forefathers in those days, at this time.
Amen. Shalom. Blessed be.
Rev. Drew Frantz
December 13, 2023