Power of Light
The Power of Light by Isaac Bashevis Singer is a beautiful tale of hope in the midst of heartache and evil. This children’s book kept me on the edge of my seat as I read the heroic tale of a young couple who escaped the bombed-out ruins of the Warsaw ghetto during WWII. On the verge of starvation and imminent death, among the rubble, David finally finds the last of the food and one small candle.
It was the first night of Hanukkah, and David and Rebecca filled their empty bellies with frozen potatoes and cheese and lit this little candle of hope. In the warmth of its light, they found the courage to escape the ruins of the ghetto and occupied Nazi Poland. David and Rebecca made the arduous journey to the partisans deep within the forest just before the eighth day of Hanukkah.
Their final destination left a tear in my eye. The partisans put their lives on the line to smuggle the children safely to the shores of Israel. Their final destination was a place where they found refuge. They began their new lives free from fear. The Power of Light story reminds us that a seemingly insignificant symbol, like a candle, can spur the hope of survival and change the course of history.
This Hanukkah, my heart is drawn to those narratives of survival. The Festival of Light (Hanukkah) is a symbol of God’s great deliverance of the Jewish people in the intertestamental period (between the Old and New Testament). It astonishes me that the Jewish people still face the same murderous hatred today.
From the Amalekites (1Samuel 15:1–2), to Haman (Esther 3), to the evil Greek emperor Antiochus (167–160 BC), to the Romans (specifically in 70 AD), to Hitler, to Hamas, history is riddled with antisemites who seek the destruction of the Apple of God’s eye. (Zechariah 2:1–9 says, “Whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye.”)
A few weeks ago, I stood on a street corner of a Jewish neighborhood with a sign showing my support of Israel and the Jewish people, as a Christian. To be honest I was a little fearful.
How would we be received by the Jewish community?
Would someone try to harm us for standing with the Jewish people?
Aside from a few people shouting from their cars, the day was peaceful. Those I had the privilege of meeting left a deep impression on my heart. The relief and gratitude expressed by the Jewish community was beautiful. Our group heard countless stories of how the war in Israel was affecting their community. One gentleman expressed his concern of wearing his kippah/yarmulke in certain areas, fearing for his safety.
How can this be happening in America?! I wondered.
My heart felt the weight of fear and concern he, as a Jewish person, was facing.
As Hanukkah arrives this year, the symbol of the menorah shines brightly. HOPE in the midst of dark days.
The God of Israel enabled the Jewish people to overcome their enemies throughout history and still makes provision for their worship today. As the menorahs are placed in the widows of our Jewish neighbors this year, I wonder what kind of light you could bring to that home by stopping in and expressing your love and support.
In a world where they feel hated and hunted, the love of Messiah must shine bright to dispel the darkness.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Written by Kori, Life in Messiah staff
What gives you hope and light?
How might you show love and support to your Jewish friends and neighbors?
What do you know about Hanukkah? Check out this page to learn more.