Stars, Stripes and Lights

Imprisoned in Czarist Russia, the Alter Rebbe’s case was at the mercy of the most anti-Semitic officials of the most powerful country in the world. Miraculously, his acquittal was ordered by the Czar himself, and he was freed on Yud-Tes Kislev.

Chanukah too, celebrates the victory of light over might – when the small Jewish nation of Israel prevailed over the tyrannical Greek Empire.

America’s foundation was laid down by its original settlers: Immediately after arriving in this country, they proclaimed a holiday of thanksgiving to G-d for bringing them to a secure land and saving them from religious oppression. This faith in G-d has been celebrated in America every generation since.

In recent years, the President himself has publicly recognized the Chanukah Menorah. May he increase in this, and remind all Americans that lighting the Menorah publicly, keeps the true spirit of this country alive: to fight tyranny and save the righteous from the hands of the wicked.