At the end of the Chanukah story, the Jews rededicated the Beit HaMikdash, the Holy Temple. What does this mean? For us, living in the 21st century, the initial reaction would be to analogize a rededication of the Beit HaMikdash to a rededication of our current places of worship. Does this mean then that the Jews at the end of the Chanukah story held a fundraising campaign to “beautify the grounds” of the Beit HaMikdash? Were they simply bringing the physical structure of the Beit HaMikdash up to date with the latest building safety codes?
The Jews were obviously not simply rededicating the physical plant. They were, rather, rededicating the spiritual plant. They refocused on the meaning of the Beit HaMikdash, meditating on what it meant and symbolized; the presence of God was dwelling in their midst. They reflected on how a nation that merits the constant presence of God should act. They contemplated what actions would need to be taken in order to bring themselves to that high spiritual level expected of them.
This Chanukah, let us rededicate ourselves to our spiritual mission in this world – to make this world a better place. Let us refocus our efforts on the real priorities of life – our families, communities and our relationship with God. Let us make sure that we come away from this Chanukah with our dedication to our ideals stronger than ever.
Have a wonderful and meaningful Chanukah.