It’s been awhile since Rosh HaShanah – 81 days to be exact. Many of the optimistic, exuberant New Year’s resolutions that I made in the fine fall days of Tishrei, now look as tattered and dormant as my snow-covered rose bushes in the gray chill of Kislev. Thanks to the sacred wisdom of the Jewish calendar, Hanukkah has arrived just in time! Hanukkah – the Festival of Lights with its 8 day burst of dreidel spinning, latke eating, gift giving, and teaching about freedom and dedication. Whether one views the oil story as a miracle or a metaphor, it’s possible to agree that the word “Hanukkah” means “dedication,” as in the victorious Maccabees cleaned and re-dedicated the Temple in Jerusalem which the Greeks had defiled. As the Hanukkah lights illuminate the darkness of the longest night in the year, we have a chance to re-dedicate ourselves to accomplishing longstanding goals, to discovering new opportunities, to overcoming personal and professional challenges, to fulfilling mitzvot, to revitalizing those frazzled Rosh HaShana resolutions.
So, here goes – As I light the first candle of Hanukkah 5772, I resolve that:
In addition to striving for greater patience and a more positive perspective in my personal behavior, I’ll re-dedicate time, creative energy, and resources to enhance the educational experience of my students , and to share teaching and learning ideas in a variety of venues, including JCast!
There…Now, it’s your turn!…
Chag Hanukkah Sameach
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