Today, all over the world, Jewish people are striving and succeeding to be recognized as hard-working citizens contributing to the communities they live in, enriching society with their diversity. We must be careful in these times of prosperity to remember that it is because of courageous Jews like the Maccabees, who held to the faith in their God at great risk to their lives, that we are here today. In a world where Jews are finally being accepted, we must continue to proudly hold on to our faith in God and our traditions, because that is how we will keep our identity of mind and spirit and truly find our strength. So, when we light the menorah, we are not just lighting candles, we are keeping the sacred flame of Jewish faith burning for the freedom of future generations. That freedom which the Maccabees preserved for us two thousand years ago is the identical freedom we must fight for and preserve today.
Parents take their children to a baseball game.
The kids sit there, watching the game and their parents every move. When the parents eat peanuts and cheer for the home team, the kids do the same. When the opposing team scores a run, they all stand up and boo. Baseball can easily be a metaphor for synagogue. It is an example of parents being role models.