Surveys of American Jews demonstrate that, to little surprise, the most widely practiced ritual is the celebration of Chanukah. That so many Jewish households continue to faithfully and diligently light the Chanukiah for eight consecutive nights, year after year, is a great tribute to the brave generation which made this holiday possible. Chanukah is a true celebration of Jewish survival despite the efforts of outsiders and fellow Jews to destroy Judaism, both physically and spiritually.

So I applaud all of you who observe the eight days of Chanukah. And I urge you to apply your Chanukah zeal to the other 50+ weeks of the Jewish years. The following is what we might call “The anti-Dayyenu.” Celebrating Chanukah is a wonderful jumping off point to living a Jewish life, but it’s not enough on its own.

Therefore . . .

• If you can light candles for eight straight nights . . . then you can also light candles prior to Shabbat, every week.

• If you can make the extra effort to put latkes on the table for Chanukah . . . then you can also extend the effort to put kosher food on the table year-round.

• If you can recite berakhot prior to lighting the Chanukiah . . . then you can also recite berakhot every time you eat.

• If you can acknowledge that God is the source of the Chanukah miracle . . . then you can also open a Siddur each day to express gratitude for many other simple, yet significant daily miracles.

• If you stand up each night of Chanukah in defense of Jewish survival . . . then you can also stand up publicly every time people are abused or discriminated against.

• If you can adorn your home, once a year, with Chanukah decorations . . . then you can also adorn each doorway in your home with a Mezuzah.

• If you can generously give gifts to family and friends . . . then you can also give something each day to Tzedakah.

• If you can faithfully observe the complete eight days of Chanukah . . . then you can also observe the eight days of Pesach, not to mention the holidays of Sukkot and Shavuot.

• If you can increase the number of lights each night . . . then you can also increase your knowledge and observance of Judaism each day of the year.

• If you can understand that the Chanukah candles will not “light themselves,” but rather require your effort . . . then you can also understand that the synagogue does not “run on its own,” but requires the leadership and involvement of all its members.

To all of you — a happy and healthy Chanukah. May the holiday lead you to new achievements!