On the eve of the holiday of
Light, I reflect on how many people are hurting right now and cannot see
the revelation of the Light in their lives. In these challenging times
many people will focus on their worries, focus on the pain, and focus on
the worst of times. Modern thought is that when we focus on fear we get
more fear, focus on doubt we get more doubt, and focus on love and
prosperity we will receive more love and prosperity.
Certainly, in the story of Chanukah when the oil
was taken, when there was nothing left for the night, the miracle of the
Light burning for eight days reflects the focus on revealing the Light
deep in our spiritual selves. Similarly, as the world is facing a lack
of oil (prosperity) it is important to focus on the Light, that will
reveal more Light, just as we should focus on prosperity and not the
lack.
Revealing the Light, is an interesting concept and
one that is deeply seated in Kabbalistic belief. For the Light is there:
it shines at the top of the Tree of Life (Keter). It is always there
behind the veil. As a Kabbalist our job is to reveal that Light through
our actions in the world. We reveal this by doing Mitzphahs (good
deeds), charity and through loving others. We reveal this when we show
up in the world as giving, loving people. And this is even greater when
we show up as giving, loving people at a time of challenge and conflict.
In fact, hard times present to us the opportunity to be greater, to
reveal the light inside us and to help others see the Light of the
Creator. It is an opportunity to shine. Even in the worst of times, e.g.
war, there have been people who have revealed the Light in a great way.
They have been more heroic, more loyal, more charitable, more giving,
more altruistic, more caretaking, and more loving. They rise in our
hearts and spirits and make lasting memorable impacts on future
generations, leaving a legacy of Light in the wake of adversity. They
are the historical figures that move us, inspire us and help us to
understand our humanity as they live on in our minds and hearts.
For each of us, we must face our own adversity and
challenges in life. For each of us, we too must undertake the path to
keep revealing the Light in the face of challenges. If you are
responsible for a family, you must forge the way to the Light. If you
are in a business you must lead that towards the Light. We have seen
what happens when businesses lead away from the Light. If you are a
teacher or parent, you must be the Light for your children. If you
govern you must govern towards the Light. Could you imagine our world if
this concept was embraced by our leaders? It might be vastly different
than it is now. If you are on a spiritual path this is a concept that
can be embraced and lived by. Others may fall around you, others may
crumble but the more people being the role models of revealing the Light
for each other, the more we can climb above the challenges and adversity
and reach the goal of making the world more loving, more peaceful and
more prosperous. It is important for each of us to know that the Light
of Jerusalem shines on throughout eternity so as to reveal the Light.
And that this Light is available as a source of comfort, source of
energy and source of Love. When we use this Light to help others make
the same climb we elevate them towards success. Now more than ever, it
is time to take our eyes off ourselves and help someone, anyone else,
climb to where they need to climb. Helping them reveal the Light inside
and outside. A formula that can bring the Light to the world in the long
awaited winter of our existence.
L’Chaim To Life
Happy Chanukah and Shalom Aleichem-
Peace be Upon You.
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