[December 6, 2015] Today Hanukkah begins at sundown and is celebrated starting on the 25th day of Kislev. Hanukkah means “dedication” and lasts eight successive days celebrating the rededication of the Jewish Temple following a victorious rebellion by the Jews against their oppressors. Leaders show wisdom and respect by recognizing holidays and special occasions that are meaningful and historically worthy.
Although leaders recognize holidays mostly as a sign of respect it could also be out of admiration, tradition, deference, or in the spirit of kindness. Regardless, of the reason it does show that a leader is attentive and considerate. Those qualities are among those sought after in a good leader.
Not all holidays are to be recognized and that requires good judgment and a discerning regard for what is right and what is wrong. Satanic holidays, though still recognized by many, are an anathema to the most core values of any society and should be rejected as a matter of principle and discouraged. Likewise, holidays that are unserious or created simply to recognize a remote idea or object deserve no serious attention by the leader. Disrespect of them however is unnecessary and can be avoided as the better part of gallantry.
The most historical and meaningful of holidays however should be recognized, if not by a day off, additional pay, or a party, then by something that shows the respect a leader has for it. Thus, a bit of good judgment and moral courage is required.
The opposite is true however on many college campuses around the United States. Many are banning – or trying to minimize – religious celebrations, especially Christmas and Hanukkah. Such rules are established, we are told, to “respect diversity” and for “the safety” of the student body.1 Rules have gone so far as to ban certain color combinations, candy canes, wreaths, etc. that may remind someone of a particular holiday. How can students celebrate diversity if they are not allowed to see it?
In our politically correct climate that is based upon making no judgments and diversity about things such as holidays, recognizing holidays may no longer be an acceptable course of action where poor senior leadership exists.
So, I say to everyone today … Happy Hanukkah!!
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