A Hanukkah Rhyme
For 5760

December 3, 1999

We all have melodies that run through our minds. Mine express themselves in the form of truly mediocre rhymes. Every year, at Hanukkah season, I compose a seasonal rhyme. Hopefully the humor and the message will add brightness to your celebration. Chag Sameach: Scott Gurdin, Rabbi

O my gosh,
O surprise,
At the calendar glance
It's Hanukkah time
once again
O perchance.

It may be you remember
perhaps you recall
that a Hanukkah rhyme
to compose for us all.

An annual custom...
On the eve when Shabbat and Hanukkah collide
a bad poem, ere to ponder, I attempt to provide.

To some it seems goofy
and that may be right
I won't argue either which way.
But, if my quirk, you'll indulge;
and I, a lesson, divulge
then by gosh, silly verse will I say.

It's that time in our year
with great joy celebrate
when long ago a day's oil
it lasted for eight.

The Hanukkah story reminds us with pride
from the Maccabee's efforts
we Jews should not hide.

They lived in a time and a place, it is true...
when great danger and threat
to declare one's self "Jew".

Yet they preserved for us all
our traditions intact
overcoming great odds
a deck that was stacked.

Each Maccabee fought,
for he knew in his heart
to become like his neighbor,
well, it just wasn't smart.

And still to this day,
we all should be grateful
for the spirit and courage
of the strong and the faithful.

They risked all they had
their health and their lives.
Thanks to them, to this day
our tradition survives.

In their honor each year,
at this season ignite
a hanukkiyah
shedding festival light.

That light is a symbol
to teach and inspire
that learning and justice
can spread just like fire.

From one flame, set aglow
who can say; who can know
many more other lights can draw spark.
And yet...
That first flame never finish
It own light not diminish
Only brightness, where once it was dark.

It's the same with the spirit
that in each of us burns
For experience teaches
when a soul, Torah learns...

...Only good is then added
to the universe, true
There is brightness in Torah,
its mitzvot, we pursue...

...Torah and mitzvot,
just like Hanukkah's lights
can illumine, ignite and inspire
Our traditions aglow
Yes, you see
Yes, you know,
cause to shine all our souls' inner fire.

All one needs is a spark
a kind act or a thought
to evoke the true message
No good deed's done for naught!!

There are so many things
countless moments in life
lights that each of us kindle
to banish some strife.

Just to think,
when we say to a friend, or a neighbor
"I appreciate all of your efforts and labor!"

Or on days, when our loved ones
are searching for good...
In us, they might find it
we can try - yes we should.

Or maybe this...
There will soon come a time
when a chance will arise
opportunity presenting
for to do kind surprise.

Something most unexpected
not required nor requested
just to brighten another soul's day.
A grand deed, need not be
just kind words, you will see
Turn on lights in a very big way.

When we turn to a loved one
when harsh words have let fly
to tell them we're sorry
to do better, we'll try.

When another has hurt us
and a grudge we might bear
if instead we forgive them
just to show them we care.

These deeds all add brightness
in our lives, you and me.
They will inspire others
Just try them, you'll see.

The point here is simple
It's true and it's right
With each night, our menorah
increases in light.

We must do likewise
with our words and our deeds
with our prayers and our kindness
we can serve other's needs.

And each time that we do
each soul we inspire
adds goodness and blessing
that truly burns brighter
than any real fire.

Well, my poem it has ended
Silly rhyme it is done
I do hope it provided
a moment for fun
As you go forth this evening
As you leave here tonight
I wish you happy menorah's
and to all a good light.