the politics of waiting and the first blessing

So, Hanukkah began today, and I am reminded of Judaism as I traverse this waiting period. The festival of lights is almost a sure holiday for me to not only re-center my attention upon Advent but to also invigorate my interests in the politics of identity and political theology. Of course, I am aware that the first Sunday of Advent was this past Sunday; I do know my liturgical seasons!

Now, it might appear to be a bit odd for me to consider Hanukkah as a means of moving into Advent, but it works for me. Moving into Advent is more than lighting candles and celebrating Christianity’s Christmas season [also on the liturgical calendar]. Advent has become a time for me to reconsider my baptist identity and the varying other identities that I embody. For, as I was reminded today, existence precedes essence and perhaps identity supersedes essence. Now, I don’t have a menorah that I light nor do I do anything with Olive oil or reread I Maccabees. But, the Festival, for me, is a reminder of the political messianism that motivates my understanding of Christianity and attempts to follow in the Way.

I must say that I had a surprising day today when I was greeted by my friend during my lunch. This was a nice time to sit and reflect and find ways to create meaning in my day, especially during my work day. We talked Kafka, Albert Camus and how we are both deconstructionists. Michael borrowed from Derrida as we talked, and helped me find ways to be in institutions while not being ground down by them. For, we must move through the mire, [in this case, the machine, and for Marx it was Capitalism] in order for the revolution to emerge. Marx said it first!

And so, in the midst of many of my Jewish friends beginning their Hanukah rituals and opening their gifts, playing games and eating Latkes, I find myself amazed at the miracle of their celebration of Lights and Olive Oil and my own fascination with the Existential Philosophers. I offer you the first blessing for this year’s Hanukkah celebration.

May you always find ways to kindle the goodness in your life, and may you always be kindled by the goodness of life.

The first blessing

Recited all eight nights just prior to lighting the candles:

(Note that the ‘CH’ letter combination is pronounced as ‘KH’) See Hebrew Transliteration.

(Transliteration:) Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik neir (shel) chanukah.

Translation: “Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah lights.”