An Odd Thanksgiving

To everyone in the USA, I hope you had a great Thanksgiving.

Yet another Thanksgiving away from America. What did I do?


At 9a.m. St Andrews was honored to host a small visit from Chief Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. Only a small number atteneded, but among the attendees was the University's Chaplian, the Jewish Society's Committee (my self included), faculty members and other students. An introduction was given by a famous philosophy professor who years prior was assigned to present Rabbi Sacks with an honorary degree. In the introduction Rabbi Sacks' lectures on education were highlighted as were other parts of his long history as a Rabbi.

Rabbi Sacks chose to give us a lecture about an old debate regarding Chanukah. I'll sum it up for you while trying to do it the justice it well deserves. In the Talmud there is a debate between Rav Shmuel and the Rav regarding the lighting of the candelabra. Rav says that we cannot use one candle to light the others for it drips wax and diminishes from the first candle. Rav Shmuel says that we are permitted to use one candle to light the others. In most situations the Talmud agrees with the Rav, but in this case, as it is one of the three, the Rabbis agree with Rav Shmuel. Why? For this Rabbi Sacks turned to two core ideas in the Jewish tradition, Influence and Power. In the Torah when Moshe is passing on his position to Joshua he first passes on his majesty and second lays his hands upon Joshua (smicha). Here Moshe is first passing on his Power and second his Influence. This is unique as Judaism usually has the two separated. Kings have Power, prophets have Influence. Power is something short term, just for one's life or the short period the reign. Influence is long lasting, we remember philosophers and teachers more than kings and emperors.

What is unique about the two, Power and Influence? If you are ruling and you gather nine people to help you rule, how much Power do you have now? 1/10th of before because now 10 people share the ruling position. If you are trying to Influence and you gather nine more people who share your idea, how much Influence do you have? 10 times the amount for now 10 people are sharing your idea and preaching it; trying to make the change. Thus, we returned to the debate between Rav Shmuel and the Rav. The two are arguing whether Hanukkah should be remembered as a holiday of power or one of influence. The Rav, by saying one diminishes, is saying that the miracle of Hanukkah is about power. Rav Shmuel is saying that the miracle of Hanukkah is about influence. Using the same candle adds to the others and transfers its flame.

He then concluded with the thought that we should strive for influence, not power. That having influence will last while power is only for a short time.

The rest of my day was a long drawn out day with classes and more. Among the good things was the setting up of an Interfaith Group that will represent faith societies of St Andrews if an issue arises and for hopes of future education.

I didn't get to have a Thanksgiving dinner that night, instead I worked at the cafe. A calm ending to a long day.

I hope you enjoyed this D'var.