The Unity of Chanukah Lights

When it comes to expressing that which makes us uniquely human, the essence of our soul, there are many different approaches. Billy Joel said, "I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music."

A person’s words too, are but an expression of their living soul. Although in the expression of words themselves there are distinctions. For example can you compare the amount of "soul" vested in a simple expression like "excuse me sir, may I please have a latte" to something like "I love you my dear, you are my everything"? In observing this distinction, something else becomes obvious, our beings have many forms of expression. Some forms of expression allow us access to a deeper self, or it could be said a particular form of expression is “more soul filled” than another.

The teachings of Chassidus assist us in reaching the deepest levels of self. And the deeper we connect to that place that is “soul filled” the more likely we are to live a life that is governed by light. This is why music is such an important expression of the soul, because it has the ability to reach deep within, make the connection to the inner self and as a result open us to the light.

In a little over a week we will begin the celebration of the Festival of Lights, known as the holiday of Chanukah. While Chanukah is a Jewish holiday, the message of this festival carries a tone that transcends religious boundaries and taps into our inner light, the deepest sense of our humanity, which exists beyond the rituals and practices of different peoples.

When Moses was first instructed to construct the seven-branched Menorah candelabra he was instructed that it be made from one piece of pure gold, a symbol of unity. The seven branches represent of the seven archetypal personalities that exist within man. The kindling of the Menorah is an expression of the one Divine light, the light that lives deep within our beings and has the capacity to unite all peoples.

In light of the above (pun intended) I take this opportunity to invite you and your family to join the Malibu community and me, on Saturday, Dec. 8, for an evening of joy, song, laughter, unity and light (and potato latkes and donuts) at our Chanukah Unity Concert.

The festivities will take place at the Malibu City Hall Civic Theater. We are pleased to announce that the emcee of the concert will be Terence Davis, the renowned musician and founder of The Malibu Music Awards and Malibu Music Festival. The concert will feature the Miami Boy’s Choir, the Moshav Band, and maybe even a dance or two from one of our youngest Chassidic dancers out there, my son Shmulie.

Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, provides an opportune time to reach within and be touched by the light. The soul filled music of these groups is certain to hit a high note as together we celebrate the triumph of light over darkness. To learn more about the event please click here.

Some of you may recall the 1960’s ad campaign that said, "You don’t have to be Jewish to love Levy’s real Jewish rye," well, you don’t have to be Jewish to unite with the Chanukah lights. I look forward to welcoming you there.

Shabbat Shalom!