In the Days of Chanukah, 5733

Greeting and Blessing:

Inasmuch as this year's Annual Dinner is taking place immediately after Chanukah, it is to be hoped that the inspiration of the Festival of Lights will be much in evidence among all present.

Chanukah recalls the consecration of the Beth Hamikdosh that had been desecrated by the enemy, as described in the prayer of "V'al Hanissim": ". . . Then Thy children entered . . . and cleared Thy Sanctuary, and cleansed Thy Mikdosh, and kindled lights . . ."

All events in Jewish history on the national level are guidelines for all times, both for our people as a whole and for every Jew as an individual. Thus, what happened with the Beth Hamikdosh "in those days at this season" has a direct bearing on every Jew's private "Beth Hamikdosh," namely, the Jewish home. For when G-d ordered the building of His Sanctuary, He said: "Let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them," indicating — as our Sages explain — that it is in each and every Jewish home that G-d seeks a dwelling place.

Chanukah therefore reminds us that every Jewish home must be a fitting, consecrated abode for G-d's Presence. It must not be desecrated by influences that are abhorrent to the Jewish spirit of decency, purity, and holiness. This is a timely and pointed reminder, since we live in an environment where these ideals are unfortunately not always held in the highest esteem, especially among some segments of the young generation.