The number seven is not only popularly considered a lucky number but is perhaps the most significant of all numbers in Jewish tradition. If asked for a reference to seven in Jewish life the common response would be the seventh day of the week-the SABBATH. I can think of no more accurate answer.
Seven brings to mind the sanctity of time-the Sabbath, the festivals of Succot and Passover, the cycle of the Sabbatical and Jubilee years.
On the seventh night of Hannukah , I ask you to pay attention to time and its holy significance.
Time is neutral, a raw gift given to each one of us. It is within our power to waste it, to kill it, to spend it, to while it away or to sanctify it. The seventh light reminds us of the unprecedented and cherished gift of the Jewish people to the world -the gift of the Sabbath as a day of rest, renewal and rejuvenation. Above all, it is a day of gratefulness during which we do things-eat and drink well, dress up in our Saturday best, engage in intimate relations with beloved spouses, pray and meditate, study, relax, and cease from competitive activity-all designed to enhance our consciousness of the gift of God's creation. We replenish our spiritual reservoir of being grateful in recognizing the wonder of life.
How can we not be thankful for this blessed day!
Happy Hannukah.
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