The four Jewish holidays that fall each year between November and March (Sigd, Hanukkah, Tu B’Shevat, and Purim) are joyful celebrations of hope. Every parent wants their child to feel hope, and Jewish tradition and ritual, especially those related to these holidays, invite us on a journey of hope every year.
These holidays come during a season when, in Israel and across the Northern Hemisphere, the days grow short and the nights grow long and, as the season advances, buds begin to appear on the trees, offering the first hints of spring. In short, a season that gradually moves from darkness to rebirth.
None of these four holidays appears in the Torah (the first five books of the Bible). Added later in Jewish history, they have evolved over time and place and are celebrated in diverse ways around the world. Four beautiful examples of how Judaism both preserves the old and embraces the new, they serve to inspire us in challenging times.
What gives us hope?
First, let’s remember that hope requires action. Even small actions — making peace in the family, helping a neighbor, giving tzedakah — can infuse our lives, and others’, with hope. When, under the weight of events in our lives and our society, we might incline toward despair, it’s crucial to stay connected with those we care about and those who count on us. Connection breeds hope.
Second, we can take the Jewish story to heart. The Ethiopian Jewish legacy is one of unflagging faith. The Maccabees’ legacy is one of fighting against the odds for Jewish uniqueness and purpose. The Tu B’Shevat legacy, expressed by rabbis, mystics, pioneers, and environmental activists, is one of life in harmony with nature. Esther and Mordechai’s legacy is one of standing up to prejudice and hatred.
Sigd teaches us that hope is believing that if we keep our traditions strong, one day reach Jerusalem.
Hanukkah reminds us that hope is believing that even a tiny flame can light up the darkness.
On Tu B’Shevat, we hope that what we plant will grow and bear fruit.
And on Purim, we remember that hope is believing that hate won’t win.
Finally, nothing gives us greater hope than our children. In the spirit of this holiday season, they are our colored umbrellas, our dancing flames, our budding trees, our sacred noisemakers. They inspire us with their openness and humor, their joy, and their dreams.
To learn more, please visit pjlibrary.org/hope to download a free digital copy of A Time to Hope.
December 5, 2024