My one Hanukkah wish...

It’s been 445 days since October 7, 2023.

445 days since terror supporting monsters broke into Israel, across the border, and committed crimes unthinkable to anyone who has an ounce of humanity and compassion in their bones.

445 days since so many lives changes. The thousands of lives of our Israeli Brothers and Sisters, and the 15.2 million lives of Jews around the world.

445 days since the flood gates of hate and antisemitism burst open, leading us to fight a fight we never thought we would see in our lifetime.

445 days since our family members, innocent civilians, were taken from their beds across the border into Gaza. Most of them were in their pajamas, many without shoes, all without anything but whatever clothes they were wearing at that moment.

445 days since they had a real meal, took a real shower, felt the sunshine beating down on their faces.

445 days since they slept in their beds, had their medication, saw a doctor.

445 days since they laughed with friends, read a book, watched TV, danced, sang or hugged their loved ones.

445 days of pure agony and terror—-for them, their families and for those of us who wait for their return with baited breath.

And so as we prepare for Hanukkah to begin tomorrow night, let us all pray for a miracle. Hanukkah is the festival of lights, but it is also the holiday of miracles, AND yet another holiday showcasing the resilience of the Jewish people to fight for who we are, what we believe in and for our right to simply be Jewish.

As the story goes, in 168 B.C.E., the Syrian king Antiochus Epiphanes, sent his troops to Jerusalem . They desecrated the temple and basically abolished Judaism. Antiochus’ offer to Jews was simple: Conversion or death.

Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Look, neither the Jews fight with the Nazis, or present day Islamic Jihadists are our first rodeo with this kind of hate. We Jews have been facing these moments in history for thousands of years.

As has been the case throughout history, the Jews were not going to lay down and simply take this. A resistance movement formed: The Maccabees, led by Judah, the son of the head of this movement.

Though outnumbered, Judah and The Maccabees fought the Syrians in two battles and WON. Upon taking back and entering the Temple, The Maccabees found one jar of oil, sufficient only for one day of light. And while it took a messenger eight days to go fetch more, the one jar of oil miraculously burned, providing light for eight days.

Hanukkah means “rededication”—-in reference to taking back the Temple from the Greeks. And for us, let it be a reminder to rededicate ourselves to keeping our Jewish culture and traditions alive for our children, and their children and for all future generations.

As we enter the eight days of Hanukkah, let us all dedicate ourselves to showcasing our Jewish heritage loudly and proudly. Light your menorahs, in fact, light an extra one and dedicate it to the hostages. Sing loudly, don’t ever hide who you are.

And let us come together in the one prayer I know we have been saying for the last 465 days. Let us hope for a Hanukkah miracle: Bring all 100 of our hostages home to their loved ones.

Because we are all waiting for them.

Wishing you and your family the true miracle of Hanukkah this season,

Lindsay Pinchuk

Founder, The Chai Tea