Hope springs eternal. Indeed, it's always been
an integral part of Jewish history, spirituality, and politics. Without hope,
there wouldn't be a Chanukah; without hope, there might not even be a Jewish community.
Jewish survival is a miracle of hope. Increasing light at the darkest time of
the year to celebrate Chanukah and Jewish survival is also a miracle. This year,
we hope for another miracle.
We hope that Jews will enhance their celebrations
of this ancient, beautiful, and spiritually-meaningful holiday of Chanukah by
making it a time to strive even harder to live up to Judaism's highest moral values
and teachings. We certainly don't need more "things"; instead, we need
more meaning, purpose, and spirit. There are a variety of ways to accomplish this.
One significant way is by moving towards a vegetarian diet.
Chanukah commemorates
the single container of sacred oil-expected to be enough for only one day-which
miraculously lasted for eight days in the rededicated Temple. A switch to vegetarianism
on the part of the world's people could help bring about another great miracle:
the end of the tragedy of world hunger and therefore the survival of tens of millions
of people annually. Currently, over a third of the world's grain, and about three-quarters
of major crops in the U.S. (e.g., corn, wheat, soybeans, oats), is fed to animals
destined for slaughter, while about one billion poor people suffer from malnutrition
and its effects, tens of thousands of them consequently dying each day.
The miracle of the oil brings the use of fuel and other resources into focus.
Vegetarianism allows resources to go much further, since far less oil, water,
land, topsoil, chemicals, labor, and other agricultural resources are required
for plant-based diets than for animal-centered diets, while far less waste and
pollution are produced. For example, it requires approximately 78 calories of
non-renewable fossil fuel for each calorie of protein obtained from factory-farmed
beef, but only 2 calories of fossil fuel to produce a calorie of protein from
soybeans. Reducing our use of oil by shifting away from the mass production and
consumption of meat-thereby making supplies last longer, freeing us from our dangerous
dependence on oil-would surely be a fitting way to celebrate the miracles of Chanukah.
In addition to resource conservation and economic efficiency, a switch toward
vegetarian diets would greatly benefit the health of individuals, the condition
of our environment, and would sharply reduce the suffering and death of billions
of animals. Further, the social and psychological benefits should not be underestimated.
Many people who switch to a vegetarian diet report feeling physically, emotionally,
and spiritually better.
According to the Book of Maccabees, some Maccabees
lived on plant foods -- to "avoid being polluted" -- when they hid in
the mountains to escape capture. Further, the two major foods associated with
Chanukah, latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (donuts), are
vegetarian foods, as is chocolate gelt, and the vegetable oils that are used in
their preparation are a reminder of the vegetable oil (olive) used in the lighting
of the Temple's Menorah. Chanukah represents the victory of the idealistic and
courageous few, over the seemingly invincible power and dominant values of the
surrounding society. We learn through both study and history that might does not
make right, even if it sometimes rules the moment. "Not by might and not
by power, but by spirit", says Zechariah 4:6, part of the prophetic reading
for Shabbat Chanukah. Today, vegetarians are relatively few in number and farmed
animals are powerless to defend themselves, but the highest ideals and spirit
of Judaism are on their side.
Chanukah also represents the triumph of non-conformity.
The Maccabees fought for their inner beliefs, rather than conforming to external
pressure. They were willing to say: this we believe, this we stand or, this we
are willing to struggle for. Like the Maccabees, vegetarians represent this type
of progressive non-conformity. At a time when most people, especially in wealthier
countries, think of animal products as the main part of their meals, vegetarians
are resisting and insisting that there is a better, healthier, more environmentally
sustainable, and ethical choice.
Candles are lit for each of the eight
nights of Chanukah, symbolizing a turning from darkness to light, from despair
to hope, from oppression to miracles. According to the prophet Isaiah, the role
of Jews is to be a "light unto the nations" (Isaiah 42:6). Vegetarianism
can be a way of adding light and hope to the darkness of a world still suffering
with slaughterhouses and factory farms-and their attendant negative consequences-as
well as to other symbols of violence and oppression.
The word Chanukah
means dedication, while the Hebrew root of the word means education. Each year,
we should re-educate ourselves about the horrible realities of factory farming
and slaughterhouses, as well as re-dedicate our inner temples by practicing the
powerful Jewish teachings about respecting life, taking care of our health, showing
compassion to animals, protecting our environment, conserving resources, helping
hungry people, being kind and righteous, and pursuing peace and justice.
Chanukah commemorates the deliverance of the Jews from the Syrian-Greeks. In our
time, vegetarianism can be a step toward deliverance of society from various modern
assaults and tragedies, such as world hunger, heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes,
deforestation, pollution, global warming, species extinction, resource depletion,
rising health care costs, and lost productivity, among others.
One way
to achieve the wonderful aspirations of Judaism is by switching to a vegetarian
diet. A shift to vegetarianism can be a major factor in the rededication and renewal
of Judaism, as it would further demonstrate that Jewish values are not only relevant
but essential to everyday life and survival.
The letters on a diaspora
dreidel are an acronym for nes gadol hayah sham, a great miracle happened
there. May the celebration of this holiday inspire another miracle here.
Have a happy, healthy, and miraculous Chanukah!
