To Bring Holiness Into The World: Seasonal Holiday Wishes.19

To Bring Holiness Into The World

Seasonal Holiday Wishes

By Rabbi Boaz D. Heilman

Recently a clever child in our religious school asked me, “Why do we need God?” It’s definitely a question that in my book qualifies as a “rabbi stumper,” and I rewarded the child with the promised pizza party as well as with an appropriate certificate. 

At first I thought it was a simple enough question. In my 70 years I have learned from both personal experience and from many excellent teachers. The first answer I came up with then was, “We need God to be there for us when our parents no longer can be.” 

The child seemed satisfied, and yet I was not.  The question remained active in my mind for many days, and I kept coming up with more and more answers.

It turns out that human beings may actually be wired to believe in supernatural beings. How else explain the superstitions that add color to our behavior, no matter how rational we think are, or our need for God during stressful times (as illustrated by the adage, “there is no atheist in a foxhole”).  Studies in human neurology and psychology seem to indicate that there is a neurological basis for religious behavior. For one thing, we rely for our survival on group strength as much as on individual effort; the larger the group, the more secure we feel. Nothing acts as powerfully to bind diverse individuals into groups and nations as does religion.  

Further, these studies show that spiritual or religious practice such as prayer, meditation or rituals enable us to think more clearly and to feel our emotions more intensely! Belief in God makes us smarter and more compassionate—again, qualities that help us remain valuable members of society.

But belief in God gives us much more that that. 

Religion gives us a training regimen for knowing the difference between right and wrong. Ever since Abraham, we have looked to God to provide and exemplify the highest standards for right and wrong, for holy and evil. 

Religion gives meaning and purpose to our life, and even to our death.

Prayer provides comfort and guidance when we feel lost, anxious, worried or confused.

God gives us strength when we are weary or fearful

God provides us with companionship when we are lonely. 

But beyond all that, God gives us hope. 

Hope is one of the most powerful tools in our survival kits. Without hope, we might as well just lie down and never get up. It is hope that keeps us going despite the difficulties and challenges that we face every day. It is God’s light—hope—that shows us the path when we are surrounded by darkness, when we “walk in the valley of the shadow of death.” 

This is why all humanity seeks light at this darkest season of the year. Each of us may find it through unique and different means—but all paths involve, in one way or another, faith and hope.

We need God because God is the ultimate source of hope, and it is faith that keeps our connection with this awesome force alive. 

Some of us don’t see our holiday practices as particularly religious. And yet, whether they involve lighting a hanukkiah (the menorah, the nine-branch Hanukkah candelabra) or trimming a Christmas tree, our traditions are formed by religion and are designed to set alight within us the power of faith, love and hope.            

As we gather with family and friends to partake of the joy of this season, may we find what we truly are looking for: the strength to keep up our daily tasks; the meaning and purpose which give our days and nights path and direction; and not least, hope. Hope—for a time when fear, hunger, sickness or need will no longer exist in the world.

On this Christmas Eve and Day, on this third night and day of Hanukkah, may we all sense the light and holiness of God that shine brightly within each of us. 

And let us surely not forget to share the love that exists within our hearts with those who live every day without love, without joy, and without hope. That is how we increase the light for all the world at this season of darkness. 

Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas to all, and best wishes for joyous holidays to those who light yet other candles of faith and hope.

© 2019 by Boaz D. Heilman