A Week Of Peace--Day Two--Monday 12/19/2005

What will we do when the war is over?:

"Winning the peace is a far greater challenge than winning the war. 'Hanukkah,' which means 'dedication' is about securing the peace."

"We, too, live in an age where how we respond to the challenges of peace will determine our survival as a species, the wellbeing of the planet, and the possibility of true justice around the world.

As Jews in the United States, we are free to practice our faith, free to study our holy writings, free to live by the mitzvot, to cultivate an intimacy with the Holy One, free to be a light to the nations. The only impediment standing in our way is our own unwillingness to break through indifference, ambivalence, and self-centeredness.

Being a Maccabee means summoning the dedication necessary to win after the fighting stops. Now, in a time of relative peace and prosperity, is the time to turn our attention to the perennial issues plaguing our progress: illiteracy, poverty, bigotry, greed and objectification.

Now is the time for us to cleanse the Temple of our society. It is time to let our lights shine."