At our shared editorial Hanukkah dinner in Jerusalem, David Shishkoff—one of my colleagues from the north—left me with an important thought: what it means to preserve the “ember of hope.” It’s a Hebrew concept of great significance. The phrase came up in a circle as diverse as the country itself. Not everyone on our team shares the same political line; each has their own vision for Israel’s future and character. But precisely this diversity is good and necessary—and as you’ve surely noticed, it’s reflected in the reporting on our website. In truth, that is the ancient message of Hanukkah, the festival in whose light we shared this thought over dinner. We must strive to preserve the “ember of hope,” and each person must learn how to do that for themselves.
When the Maccabees entered the Temple, they found only ruins and desecration, a thick layer of ash. Yet beneath it they discovered that one, single jug of pure oil. In that moment it was like an ember—gachelet in Hebrew—a tiny remnant...
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Hello Aviel. Do you remember me. I am from Olathe, KS and celebrated Shabbat in the Negev with you and others in 2019.
I just wanted to drop a line of encouragement. What you have written has touched me very deeply. I have considered particularly the Isaiah verse for years. The context is revolutionary to me. I will memorize the Hebrew and the context for ember of hope and consider it forever.
Shalom
Dear Aviel, I can not an I don’t want to believe, that things are so bad in Israel.
I know that many people avoid and flee war. I just wonder where they want to go to be “safe.” Ultimately, there is no country outside of Israel where Jews can live other than “invisibly.” Without their symbols, without their festivals, without their synagogues, without the truth and the duties of our religion. Otherwise, murder lurks around every corner.
I don’t know if that makes sense. Because the only safe place in the world for Jewish people is Israel. Conversely, if Israel falls, all Jews will be victims and there will be no safety anywhere.
That is why I believe that it is not the whole truth to think only of the “embers of hope” at Hanukkah. The Maccabees triumphed, defeated their enemies… and built their hope on that. But without the struggle, without victory, there can be no tikvah.
No matter how many candles burn in the windows (often facing the backyard), it will be of no use. You must also tell the young people who are “fleeing” what awaits them: only bare life in a hostile desert. Suspicious glances, hostility at the slightest word, no joy, no friends. A stooped gait as a victim, which can be carried out at any minute.
They must know that only a strong Israel can protect them.