Rabbi Russell Jayne: Illuminating a path forward

by Rabbi Russell Jayne

(Calgary) – Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of Kislev, in the heart of winter’s long night. It is a season when the days are shortest, and the darkness seem ever encroaching. The physical darkness we experience during this time echoes the challenges we face in life; moments when grief, fear, or uncertainty threaten to overwhelm us. And the Hanukkah menorah, or Hanukkiah, stands both as a profound rebuke to those shadows and also as symbol of the eternal truth that even a single spark can illuminate this darkness, and that when we come together, the combined glow of our efforts can dispel even the most profound despair.

This year, our community continues to navigate the shadows cast by hardship and loss. We carry with us the memory of loved ones who are no longer with us, the weight of global challenges, and the pain of witnessing far too many acts of hatred and violence. Yet Hanukkah teaches us that darkness does not have, and never will have, the final word. The Maccabees faced overwhelming odds, but they did not despair. They reclaimed our sacred space, cleansed the defiled Temple, and lit the menorah, even when they had only enough oil for one day. That small flame, which ultimately burned for eight days, reminds us that miracles often begin with our willingness to act, to believe, and to hope. When we encounter darkness, whether personal or communal, we, like the Maccabees, have the power to kindle a light. Acts of kindness, gestures of solidarity, and moments of reflection are all ways we bring light into this world. Each flame we kindle serves as a defiant reminder that even in the shadow of despair, we are capable of illuminating a path forward.

The miracle of Hanukkah is not only about the oil that lasted beyond expectation; it is also about the faith that led the Maccabees to light that lamp in the first place. They acted with hope, trusting that their small effort would be met with divine partnership. This spirit of hope is deeply embedded in our story and spiritual tradition. Time and again, our ancestors have faced trials that seemed insurmountable. From slavery in Egypt to exile and dispersion, from pogroms to the ultimate darkness of the Shoah, we have endured profound suffering. And yet, in every generation, we have rebuilt, reimagined, and renewed ourselves.

In our own time, we are called to carry this legacy forward. Hope is not passive; it is active and intentional. It is the decision to persist in the face of adversity, to believe in the possibility of a better tomorrow, and to work toward it with all our strength. This Hanukkah, as we light our candles, let us remember that hope is not simply a response to despair, it is the antidote to it. We are called to see in the flickering flames symbols of our collective resilience, our ability to find beauty in the midst of pain, and our commitment to building a future rooted in justice and compassion for all humanity.

The Talmud teaches that the lights of the menorah are sacred and must not be used for ordinary purposes. They are there to be seen, to inspire, and to remind us that miracles surround us. In the same way, our actions, our small but meaningful contributions to this world, are sacred acts of illumination. Each time we reach out to a neighbor, advocate for the vulnerable, or teach the next generation about the values of kindness and courage, we add to the divine light that comes to brighten our world.

This Hanukkah, let us ask ourselves: How can we be bearers of light? How can we bring hope to those who are struggling? How can we ensure that our individual flames join together to create beacons of warmth and love that will guide us all? As we light the candles this year, let us rededicate ourselves, just as the Maccabees rededicated the Temple, to the work of healing and renewal. Let us draw strength from our tradition, from one another, and from the knowledge that even a small act can have an enduring impact.

May the lights of Hanukkah inspire us to see the world not only as it is but as it could be. And may we find the courage to kindle flames of hope, even in the face of uncertainty.

I wish you and your loved ones a Hanukkah filled with light, hope, wholeness, wellness, and peace.

Chag Urim Sameach!!

Rabbi Russell Jayne is Senior Rabbi and Cantor at Beth Tzedec Congregation.