A Hanukkah Rhyme
For 5762

Come this Sunday eve
when sky grows dark at night
'Round menorah's we will gather
to bless the first Hanukkah light

As you are no doubt aware
for eight nights candles burning
latkes cookin' all aplenty
dreidels spinning turning

And a custom of mine
at this time of the year
a message in rhyme
to compose
hope you'll hear

Now, I'm sure you'll concur
the idea - it is cute
perhaps clever -- you might just agree
But my rhyme doth as well
have a message to tell
so indulge me, please listen
you will see.

As the tale it is told
days of yore and of old
our people were sorely oppressed.
Those who ruled in their land
Jewish life - harshly banned
made them sad and bereft and depressed.

Ruler Antiochus
went and started the fuss
a pig to the Temple he brought.
This he did just to say
to the Jews
observe you my way!!
Big mistake
that bad lesson,
poorly taught!

We Jews like to think
we are sturdy and strong
our patience steadfast
our forbearance quite long.

But a limit to reach
when our standards to breach
should another a fight just to start.
Antiochus did insult
so we Jews we'd feel jolt.
We then fought with great spirit and heart.

The Maccabees they did lead
a fierce fight yes indeed
Their oppressors with hopes overthrown.
In the end with success
In the Temple, cleaned they the mess
A great victory unto history known!

That's the heart of the story
At Hanukkah told
of great faith
and true wonder
inspire all
young and old.

And the point I am making
with hope that you'll hear
is that to banish great hatred
to extinguish bad fear...

...Sometimes you really have to be patient
and faith you must keep
freedom's price when to pay
can be awesomely steep.

The Maccabees who fought that fight
who knew deep down their cause was right
did not win their battles right away
no easy conquest at end of day.

Yes indeed, it is true
something worthy, right to do
takes effort and patience to earn.
And the trick from the start
don't give up,
don't lose heart
Key to victory this lesson learn.

There were times
when the Maccabees
thought perchance they might lose.
When soon there would come
a bad end for the Jews

But that didn't stop our heroes.
Their spirits would not break.
They had great things to fight for
too much was at stake.

And just at the moment
when appeared all was lost
the Maccabees with great courage
they fought on at all cost.

They prevailed
not because of pure might
or brute strength.
For in truth
these they hadn't --
at least not at great length.

What they did have
was gumption
and spirit and hope.
They knew their cause
was the right one
so with hardship they'd cope.

And you know what,
in time, in the end, they were right.
'tis a good thing for us
refused they give up fight.

Be inspired
with their deeds
and their courage
to survive.
Thanks to their strength
that today our traditions
alive.

We can learn from their tale
the example they set.
Don't accept cruel oppression.
Give up hope never let.

We all face tough moments
hard times
and bad days.
And the strong souls among us
good spirits not to faze.

So,
Should you think that the time's come
when you haven't a hope;
with your trials and stresses
for sure never cope...

...That's the time
that's the moment
to stand up straight and tall;
to believe that with effort
and faith, you can't fall.

With strong mind
and great spirit
a kind heart
good and true
with these things
there's so very much
you can do.

That's the light that I think
Maccabees did ignite
At those moments of darkness
never gave up their great fight.

Just imagine,
in our own time
if that light radiate
There'd be less room for evil
There'd be no space for hate

Well that's what I hope for
at Hanukkah this year
Light
Persistence
and Patience
these can banish all fear.

So, for example...
when your homework seems
just too hard
to finish
or do,
Make effort, stick with it,
I know you'll come through.

And as a result
in the end you'll know too
the mind blowing blessing
when you learn something new.

And at work
should it happen
something goes not your way,
be careful those first words
with harshness don't say.

For almost always,
the answers are present
and there
Open minds
Kinder spirits
If these we do share...

If your friend
or for fear
one in your family might
over something quite petty
to argue or fight...

...Don't give up,
Don't be mean,
Don't get angrier still
be the one with solutions
peace maker be you will

These are just a few things
that in this day we can do
Reflecting Maccabees' spirit
strong faithful and true.

Well, the end of my rhyme
it in moments will draw near
Yes bad verse
soon be over
Now I can say: never fear

And I finish with these words:

My poem it has ended
silly rhyme it is done
I do hope it provided
a moment for fun.

And as you go forth this evening
As you leave here tonight
I wish you happy menorahs
And to all a good light!!