HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

   We celebrate Rosh Chodesh Tevet this Shabbat and Sunday.  The month of Tevet, typically, does not get much attention,  It sneaks in between Chanukah and Purim, giving us a break between Fall and Winter

   It is interesting to note that the month of Tevet begins on Chanukah. Chanukah commemorates a time when, very briefly, we experienced the return of sovereignty of Torah and Divine guidance by open miracles and political independence.  But, almost, immediately after Chanukah, we are confronted by the memories of the long-term loss of these sovereignties, a depressing state from which we have yet to emerge.

   The Maharal, discusses the month of Tevet.  In the Megillah, we read that Tevet is the month in which Esther was taken to King Achasveirosh's palace.  "Esther was taken to the King Achasveirosh's to the house of his kingship in the tenth month, which is the month of Tevet,in the seventh year of his rule." (Esther 2:16).

   The Maharal questions why the Megillah needs to state, both, that it was the tenth month and that it was Tevet.  The Maharal explains that the use of these expressions was to inform us that it was a cold time on the calendar and the word Tevet indicates that this was the beginning of hope.  It was a time when  things appear very bleak, yet the appointment of Esther as Queen, the indications of a new, enlightened era exist.

   Following this idea, we can realize that the month of Tevet is the month in which Winter Solstice 

occurs - the shortest day of the year.  The days get shorter and shorter as we approach it, sinking the world further and further into despair.  However, as we saw with Esther and her success we can appreciate that after the Winter Solstice, the days begin to lengthen and Light begins to shine more onto the Earth each day.  We realize that 'There is a sense of hope in the darkness, of potential growth, of future brightness.

   This is the message of Tevet: "Don't despair."  Even when things are looking bleak, we know that the sun will shine brightly once again.  May we live to see the day when the Light of Hashem will be at its full power.

   To all, a Shabbat Shalom and a Frielechen Chanukah and may the lights of our Chanukah candles inspire us to bask in the light of Judaism and live with hope and optimism.

               חג שמח שבת שלום