Channukah starts this week and all over the nation, Chabad rabbis (among others, but let's face it - this is a big Chabad deal nationwide) will be gathering in public spaces to light the menorah. From parks to city squares to basketball games - the black coat squad loves them some Channukah - and what's not to love?
Chabad guys tend to be pretty politically conservative. But when it comes to Torah and Jewish tradition - that trumps Politics.
Channukah is a lot of things - but the Maccabees - the heroes of the tale - were fighting an oppressive, assimilating environment. They stood their ground and fought back for what they believed in risking their lives. They won. Yes, the did manage to kill a lot of people they felt weren't Jewish enough to suit them - that is not really emphasised - it is important to acknowledge for me as a Jew living today and fighting for a world where freedom from religious oppression is as important as any other kind of oppression.
The modern celebration of Channukah is pretty... expanded as in the west it competes with the constant noise and obsession with Christmas. In Israel it's pretty laid back. It is not a religious holiday in the sense that it commemorates a religious event as much as a cultural event - it's a rabbinic holiday. An add on. No one is trying to force their religious belief on you by lighting a menorah in a public space.
Here is the thing:
The rabbis and their menorahs are coming to a park near you to talk about fighting oppression, letting light shine in the dark places and believing that human beings can make the world we live in a better place for all of us.
Help them do that.
Hum along with the songs. Dance with them. Eat greasy latkes with them. Welcome them into our space with their light and make it your light as well.
They are coming in peace with hope and a little trepidation, but they will set aside their fear and step forward into the dark to make a spark.
Please welcome them.