The literal translation of Chanukah is dedication and celebrates the re-dedication of the Temple when after battling for almost three years, and against all odds the Macabees finally drove their oppressors, the Greco-Syrians out of Judea, and they reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

On the 25th day of Kisleve, 164 BCE, the Macabees had finished cleaning and restoring the Temple and wished to re-dedicate it by re lighting the Temple's Menorah. We are all familiar with the story. The Menorah was lit though there was only sufficient pure oil to burn for one night, but by a miracle the Menorah continued to burn for eight nights, until sufficient new oil could be made.

As we celebrate the miracle of Chanukah, also known as the Festival of Lights, we are looking forward to a year of re-dedication and celebration of our own community and synagogue. Next year marks the 40th anniversary of the founding of our Comunidad and 25 years since the opening of our synagogue.

Sometimes, although it is impossible to see how things will turn out in the future, the good work has to begin somewhere. All those years ago the Founders of our Comunidad must have wondered and worried what the future held for such a small and insecure group. The symbolic lamp they first lit so long ago has stayed alight and illuminated our path through all these past years and now burns brighter than ever. You might like to call that something of a miracle too.

Brian Imber.
President.