Perhaps it is because of an awkward duality in our historical narratives that we often retreat to the broader themes and rituals of Hanukkah rather than the complexities of its underlying history.

In a world that is changing so rapidly, religion provides comfort, continuity and timeless certainty to millions of the faithful in the world. But often that religious package also includes heavy doses of triumphalism, chauvinism and intolerance.

On Wednesday morning, as the Jews of America prepared for the beginning of the holiday that evening, the New York Times published a rant against Hanukkah. Jews reacted with puzzlement, dismay and not a little anger.

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is all about exposing what is hidden. Matisyahu, the hometown Hasidic hero of New York City and a cultural icon for Jewish America, crafted his own light-filled musical mystery at the Brooklyn Bowl on Nov. 29.

The world is rife with worthy causes we have taken up with enthusiasm and then abandoned. Rededicate yourself to repairing God's anguished world. If we manage that, the oil will burn for countless nights to come.