Shabbat Miketz
Genesis 41:1-44: 17
Numbers 7:30-35
Shabbat is the 4^th day of Hanukkah

Candle Lighting Time: Friday, December 7 , 2007    4: 09 P.M.   

Just before winter sets in, geese from northern Canada begin their journey south, migrating to the lakes and ponds of North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.  Perhaps you have seen the majestic flight of those birds-whose wingspan can reach 5-6 ½ feet-as they traverse the sky in their characteristic flight pattern  According to Lamar Dodd’s “Mark Trail,” some authorities believe that “Canada geese fly in a V-formation to take advantage of the air currents stirred up by the birds flying ahead.  The lead goose does most of the hard work, over coming air resistance.”  The trailing birds benefit from the ones in front.

All of us are indebted to godly men and women who have gone before us.  At this time of year we are especially grateful to the Maccabbees.  During this season of Hanukkah so many years ago, they were willing to face the Syrian-Greeks, the world power at the time, so that Judaism may continue.  Our prayer book records, “You delivered the strong into the hands of the weak, the many into the hands of the few, the corrupt into the hands of the pure in heart, the guilty into the hands of those who were faithful to Your Torah.” (Al Hanisim)

During Hanukkah this year, think of all those who have gone before-some giving their lives- so we could be Jewish today.  The lure of a totally secular life style is as great today as was the Hellenistic one of the Syrian Greeks to our ancestors during the Maccabbean period.  Our being committed to Yiddishkeit can clear the way for others to follow.  So let’s keep flying.  As we follow the faith and courage of the Maccabbees we provide encouragement and help for fellow Jews who come later.  We can make their flight path easier.
 

Shabbat Shalom and Happy Hanukkah,
Rabbi Gary Greene