Stanford President Lights Menorah

An 8-foot ice menorah graced Stanford University’s White Plaza last night in celebration of the fourth night of Chanukah.

The event, organized by Stanford Chabad, featured speeches from Chabad’s president Mica Esquenazi and Rabbi Dov Greenberg.

Stanford President John Hennessey and Secretary of the Board of Trustees Jeff Wachtel lit the menorah’s candles as the crowd of three hundred students and faculty sang the blessings.

Participants and spectators also enjoyed traditional latkes as well as jelly donuts, hot chocolate and live music.

President Hennessy highlighted the beautiful lessons of religious freedom that the Jewish people celebrate during Chanukah. Before President Hennessy kindled the menorah, Rabbi Greenberg shared this:
“Some 22 centuries ago,” he said, “a small group of Jews fought back against Greek tyranny and remarkably crushed the Greek army, recovered their freedom and rededicated the Temple.”

“Yet strangely,” continued Greenberg “when we recall Chanukah, we mainly focus on a different, and apparently more minor story of how searching through the rubble of the Temple, Jews found one cruse of oil still undefiled. With it, they were able to relight the menorah. A miracle occurred and the oil kept on burning for eight days not one, which is why we still light the Chanukah candles today.”

“The military victory was remarkable; yet it didn’t last. Two hundred years later, the Temple was destroyed. What lasted, for over two thousand years, was the spiritual miracle, the faith and commitment which, like the cruse of oil, was inextinguishable.”

“What Chanukah tells us is that it is not physical strength that makes a difference in the long run of history. Cultures built on power never last. Those built on care for the powerless never die. What matters most is not military or economic strength but how we light the flame of holiness in our homes and our hearts and society. We can’t fix society all at once. We do it one day at a time, one light at a time, one person at a time, one mitzvah at a time.

“Never believe,” concluded Rabbi Greenberg, “that a handful of inspired people cannot change the world. The Maccabees did then. So can we today.”