"Chanukkah is about the spark of the divine in all of us made in God's 
image." (Suzanne Fields)
Regardless of one’s theological perspective and belief, there is no doubt that Channukah is a time of great joy and happiness in our community. A time of fun, laughter, togetherness and light in dark times.
2020 has been an especially dark time for all of us. Covid-19 has cast a long shadow. Too many have been left with the grief of bereavement, whilst so many others still struggle with symptoms of ‘long Covid’.
Even for those of us blessed to have not been directly affected, the pandemic interrupted our rhythms, our celebrations and our social interactions – the very essence of being human, a society and community.
Yet as a community we remain positive – perhaps because of that spark of the divine embedded within us as individuals and as a collective. Channukah is a perfect time to re-kindle that spark and share the light with all members of our community and wider society. Just as we are commanded to place our Channukiot in the window, so we should let our divine spark shine brightly and touch others.
Another epidemic is still with us, despite having seemingly slipped from public consciousness. The HIV epidemic. In 2019 across London 61% of new diagnoses were in minority communities, and the median age of new diagnosis was 45. This means that many people were receiving a ‘late’ diagnosis, reducing the impact of treatments that can lower the viral load to undetectable levels, and providing a longer window for further transmission.
We have not shied away from extensive public debate about the Covid pandemic – how to limit transmission; whether we have acted appropriately as a collective; what we should expect from others in society; and the importance of public health messaging.
Can we honestly say we have done the same in relation to HIV and sexual health matters?
This Channukah, let us all commit to shining a light on this important health message and affirm the importance of addressing an epidemic that has been with us for too long. Let us ‘light a candle’ by talking openly about the issues involved and enable our communal divine spark to promote awareness, health and life.
CLICK HERE TO READ WHY WE NEED FAITH LEADERS TO BE INVOLVED
CLICK HERE TO CONTACT FAITHWORKS TO SEE HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
"A candle is a small thing. But one candle can light another. And see how its own light increases, as a candle gives its flame to the other. You are such a light." (Moshe Davis)