Megillat Antiochus, recounting the Hanukkah story, tells of the Seleucid decree to ban Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh, and circumcision. This was intended to weaken the Jews and punish them for following their distinctive ways.
Those practices are portrayed as the foundation of the Jewish people. Circumcision and Shabbat express peoplehood and promise. They connect the present of body and spirit with the past of covenant, denunciation of bondage, and commitment to better the world — remembrance of Creation.
Rosh Chodesh adds the importance of Jewish time, binding us together. Despite differences of custom, it provides a shared moment transcending ideology and geography, creating unique cohesion.
Our enemies choose to attack us — even in distant Australia — on Jewish holidays. The agony shared by Jews worldwide following this week’s abhorrent murders in Sydney painfully expresses this connection.
May we cherish our bond of time, expressing covenant, peoplehood, and commitment to do good. May we have a Hanukkah that brings us together and strengthens us.
