Give yourself a gift this Hanukkah

Giving gifts at Hanukkah time is a response to our neighbors’ celebration of Christmas. I think it is pleasing to appreciate others every day and at special times. We Jews have a long and rich history. We have lived around the world and we have influenced and been influenced by other cultures. Giving gifts is a lovely thing to do.

So this year I have a suggestion. Give gifts to friends and family. Give gifts of charitable donations to people in need. Also, give yourself a gift. The word Hanukkah means rededication. At this season of freedom, during this Festival of Lights, add some brightness to your life in an enduring way. Our candle lighting brightens our homes during the darkest season of the year, even as the rededication of the Temple brought the bright glow of hope to our people during troubled times of oppression. We human beings fill our lives with meaning, beauty and value.

As Jews we have the wisdom of our people and traditions of the ages to guide us. Rededicate yourself to learning this year. Discover something new that will enhance your understanding of the world and the creatures who populate it. Do this for yourself. Give yourself the gift of growth this Hanukkah, or Christmas or Kwanza. It is a gift that only you can give yourself.

This year and every year let us give the gift of knowledge. Let us fill our homes with books and the give and take of active, informed discussion and debate. The gift of knowledge is one that we give now for ourselves and for our children; it is a lifelong gift.

Our ability to grow and develop, even as adults, is a statement of optimism. We all need to feel hope. An optimistic outlook includes both a sense of perspective and a sense of joy. Life is hard enough. Let us learn to relish the good moments developing our sense of hope and a positive outlook, instead of worry and pessimism. Let us each learn to be a bright light, a glad presence in the world. Let us give ourselves the gift of appreciation and learn to count our blessings. Through this gift we learn and will teach our children to have fun.

Whatever your religious tradition, may you find a meaningful way during this holiday season to build a commitment to knowledge and learning, providing a little more hope. Happy Hanukkah to members of our community who are Jewish, merry Christmas to our Christian neighbors, and a joyous Kwanza to our African-American neighbors. May all of our celebrations help us bring blessing to our community.