Chanukah candles are wick-ed

I'm a slacker, I get it. But I did pass my board exams (all 12 of em) and I am now an Optician!

On with it then...

Charity Rant #2

Tis the season of love, compassion, peas on earth, goodwill to men and charities asking for donations left, right and center. In the malls we have the nerve-testing sounds of jingle bells being incessantly rung by good-deeders (my blog, my word) while singing off-key toned-deaf versions of whichever Christmas carol is in their head, drumming up donations for the Sally Ann; various food banks (including my synagogue) asking for non-perishable food items to be handed out to those who need; meals on wheels asking for more of my time because most of their volunteers are going to Florida; cashiers asking me if I would like to donate $1 to whomever they are supporting this season; and so on....

It's enough that my friends and nephews get a chunk of my hard earned non-existent Canadian pennies to appease them with gifts, never mind donating toys to children with Christmas wishes. With all this holiday bombardment, it can feel like there is no escape from it all. It almost seems like no one is in the spirit of giving. Well, all these volunteers are 'giving' their time to help collect cans, jingle bells and dole out scrambled eggs at the soup kitchen; but where are they the rest of the year? Why is it that people decide to help others once a year when they feel its necessary? Jews usually put in the extra effort before the high holy days because we are about to be judged, so might as well get in those extra brownie points. Most people tend to feel a little more generous around Thanksgiving and Christmas because as we are grateful for what we have, we are supposed to think about those who aren't as fortunate.

Wait a minute! Hold the phone! Stop the presses! Don't food banks need canned goods all year round? Does the Salvation Army only collect once a year? Do soup kitchens and homeless shelters really run 365 days a year? The answer is 'duh'. Or is it 42?

We should be in the spirit of tzedakah all the time, not just during a commercial holiday or when it suits us. Yes, we have our collections of pushka boxes in our homes, but sometimes holding a door for someone or listening to an ex-marine talk about the good ole days can have more impact than a coin in a box or spending 2 hours a year sorting through canned beans and dried pasta. Why do we need an excuse to do a mitzvah?  Happy Tuesday, go help your neighbour. The sun is shining, how about carring someone's grocery bags; you woke up today, volunteer at the senior's home...have I made my point yet?

So amidst all this holiday revelry, gift giving, latka eating and charity donating, there is a small group of people doing their best to give and not receive, while reminding us of who we are and our duty as Jews; the Chabad Lubavitchers. To some, they are as annoying as a door-knocking-white-smiled-crew-cut-happy-go-lucky G-d fearing Mormon, but to others, they are a joy to see. They are standing on street corners or outside grocery stores, going door to door in apartment buildings, driving around town in a 'mitzvot tank' blasting holiday klezmer music, and asking people 3 simple questions;

1. Are you Jewish?
2. Do you have a menorah?
3. Do you have candles?

If you are not Jewish, they ask if you are aware that it's Chanukah and may share its story, if you do not have a menorah they will give you one and if you need candles, you are given a box. They do not preach, they do not try to convert, they do not harass - they simply want everyone to celebrate the joy of our holiday. Although my little sister was convinced they were stalking her and found them bothersome, I think its endearing and thoughtful that they will give to anyone who wants to celebrate and they ask for nothing in return. Not even a dollar. So what's with all the hubub, bub? By simply lighting our candles, we are remembering our history of how we survived and the miracles G-d gave us. How's that for a donation?

I heard a rabbi say that it is our job (as Jews) to add light and to spread light into the world. With all the terrorism and hatred we are hearing about every day, it seems that we are surrounded by a lot of darkness. By simply lighting our candles, we are showing that we are Jews, we are proud of who we are and will always shine and survive the darkness. Revi G spoke about "having strong, empathetic community responses..supporting Jewish organizations.. and expanding our culture.." during his first sermon on Yom Kippur. So why not give a menorah to someone who doesn't have one? Why not invite someone to share a Shabbat with your family? Jews are obligated to do mitzvot and tzedakah every day, so why not take up the attitude that we want to do it instead of we have to do it.

After all, wouldn't it be great if all the food banks, soup kitchens, seniors organizations and salvation army coin boxes of the world would never have to campaign because they had enough money and volunteers to give to those who need their services? It would be even better if no one needed to use their services, but until that happens we need to do our part, and not just once a year. Be a candle for your family and be an example - and perhaps more candles will be lit, and the world will be a brighter place. And G-d bless us everyone.

This rant has been brought to you by the letter 'C' and the number '7'


baby steps...

*UPDATE : kosher meals on wheels made and delivered over 125,000 meals in 2015!!! wow.