A Hanukah Message from

Rabbi Simon Benzaquen

For all those who cannot help the feeling that facing 2012 is a time of a new beginning, even though it is not a religious holiday for us, it is a good opportunity for reflection, looking back, taking stock. Where am I on my journey toward a perfect relationship with G-d and with other people? How about starting things that involve you more Jewishly.

The flavor of the new beginning is different for each person depending on what that person wants to start anew. One person may want to start at the very beginning by learning how to read Hebrew. Another may want to join a Jewish studies class. Still another may want to increase their family's involvement in synagogue activities while someone else may wish to deepen their involvement in the religious side of it. Each of us has different issues and different ways in which we take stock and prepare for our future.

Throughout the year we amass debts between ourselves and the Almighty which must be settled. It is easy to count up the areas in which we have failed and to concentrate on the things which are not going smoothly for us. But, we must remember that debt is not the only thing we accumulate. We also gather achievements. There are many things we have done well and many areas in which we have grown and improved. We must not lose sight of these accumulations. Instead, we must hold them in balance with the negative.

We take for granted the fact that G-d gave us this Universe for our enjoyment and sustenance and we forget that we must thank him every moment of every day for these benefits. We have a lot for which to be thankful. Let's look at several areas: our health, our children, our families and friends, and the community to which we belong.

How often do we thank G-d for the good health we enjoy every day? People who have had to spend time in the hospital can appreciate good health. It is only when we find ourselves ill that we remember to thank the Almighty for the good health we enjoy.

Our children also are gifts from G-d, but so often in the hurry and scurry of the day we forget this. Sometimes our schedules are so hectic that we neglect to make time for our children or their Jewish education. We forget that our children are our gift and our responsibility from G-d. We must never forget that he gave them to us to cherish and bring up in the way of Torah Judaism.

When was the last time we thanked Him for our extended families and our friends? Or do we forget how important they are to us until they are no longer with us. We must be sure to stay in contact with those who are important to us and to take time to enjoy them and thank G-d for them.

By the same token, many of us allow our membership in the synagogue to lapse. There are many reasons this happens. Where are we, though, when our time of need comes and there is no community on which we can call, which can support and nurture us? It is so important to maintain our ties to synagogue and family in the good times so there will be no regrets in the unhappy times.

It is for the above reasons that we must make resolutions, to be mindful not only of our shortcomings, but also to be aware of and grateful for our blessings. It is a chance for us to realize our need to express our gratitude, after all this time of Hanukah when we light the candles we praise G-d; "For Your miracles, Your wonders and for Your salvation". And we are truly advised by our rabbis in our Liturgy every day to praise G-d; "For your miracles that are with us daily, and for Your wonders and goodness at all times; evening morning and noon".

Enjoy every day and thank G-d for it.