Not by Might and Not by Power

Abstract

The hidden saga of the Maccabees casts a pall over what should be a marvelous history. Murder and violence do not become the heroes of any story. When the Rabbi chose the words of Zecharia as the Haftarah, they rebuke the Maccabees, telling them that might and power are not the means to approach God and are not the means to approach each other. Those words resound in the ears and in the lives of abused women everywhere, as their mates use such might and power to control their spouses. Congregations, communities, and their leadership must be aggressive in discussing this issue and in being safe havens for victims of the community. This sermon was delivered on December 16, the first Sabbath of the holiday of Hannukah, at Beth Tzedec, a conservative synagogue in Toronto, on Sisterhood Sabbath. In the 18 months prior, three women in various stages of recovery from violent relationships had sought my counsel.