As we approach Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, we recall the Jewish people’s reclaiming of Jerusalem and the rededication the Second Temple during the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid empire during the 2nd century BCE.
Hanukkah commemorates the time of the temple’s rededication when only one day’s supply of pure oil was found to light its menorah. Nevertheless, it burned for eight days, providing adequate time to acquire a fresh supply of oil. To this day, the Jewish people light one candle of the menorah each day of Hanukkah in celebration of God’s intervention on their behalf.
A Faith That Does Justice (AFTDJ) walks in solidarity with the Jewish people and the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) campaign to Shine A Light on the rising tide of violence against the Jewish people. We deplore the hatred that drives this activity, and we stand with our Jewish sisters and brothers who struggle to live their religious beliefs in security and peace. In truth, AFTDJ walks in solidarity with all people who are marginalized and oppressed because of their religious beliefs, the color of their skin, and their sexual identity.
Let us stand against any attempt to diminish the human dignity of the Jewish people and all those whose lives are threatened by the hatred of others. Instead, may we witness to a God-like love for all.