If you are looking at diamonds, then you had better know something about the Four C’s. The combination of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat weight can make the difference between a gem that appears dull and lifeless vs. one that sparkles.

Chanukah is a time for us to remember that we are all gems and that we have the capability of reflecting the light of G-d. Sadly, as we age, we sometimes feel as though we are losing our luster, our value, our worth as human beings.

But those of you who work with gems know it would be foolish not to see an appraisal before purchasing a gem. And the funny thing is, if you buy a diamond of quality, you can be pretty sure that as it ages, (even in the midst of a bad economy), that diamond is going to go up in value. Each of us is a child of G-d; we are all his gems. I know there are those who might try to make you feel as though you have lost much of your value. But don’t be fooled by such people. In sickness, in infirmity, and, yes, even in your golden years, your value continues to climb.

On the first night of Chanukah, we lit the Shamus and used it to light the first candle. Each night since, we have added a candle. When I took my Chanukiah (my Chanukah Menorah) out for the holiday, it was a bit dusty and dull from being stored away. I had to clean it up, but in no time it was sparkling again.

I have been using that same Chanukiah for a good many years. I think it looks even more beautiful now, as, now, it has a history behind it – the history of which friends and family members were with me on any given year that we stood together as we lit the lights of the Menorah.

That Chanukiah was a wedding gift. My wife Carol, and I used it for our first Chanukah as husband and wife. That Chanukiah was used the first time we had my parents and my wife’s parents over for the potato latkes that Carol and I made together. That Chanukiah was there when we had family in from Israel and we served Sufganiyot, the fried jelly donuts that are traditional fare for the holiday in the Holy Land. That Chanukiah brought back beautiful memories after my wife had passed and the light from the candles lit up my heart and warmed my very soul.

Hasdai, Ben haMelech ve HaNazir, said that “Light is especially appreciated after the dark.” Many people who have come down here for the winter from up north understand that saying well now. All too often, we take the light in our life for granted. Who in New York, or down here in sunny Florida, ever thought about how blessed we were to have electricity that brought us light and power? But after a hurricane, after we had to live in the darkness for a while, we came to know how very blessed we are, and it is only after we realize our blessings that our light can truly shine like the brightest of gems and bring light where there is darkness. Shalom, my friends, and, again, a very joyous Chanukah,

Rabbi Craig H. Ezring

Rabbi Ezring is a member of the National Association of Jewish Chaplains and serves in this capacity in a number of healthcare settings in the area including Advocate Home Care Services and L’Chayim Jewish Hospice in Partnership with Catholic Hospice of Broward County.