Salt Lake rabbi relearning lessons of holidays

If perseverance and "a light at the end of the tunnel" are the lessons of Hanukkah, then Rabbi Tracee Rosen is learning them anew this holiday season.

The leader of Salt Lake's largest synagogue, Congregation Kol Ami, is undergoing radiation treatment for breast cancer, following surgery and chemotherapy. A lump was detected during a mammogram late last spring.

She is still able to function in many of her duties, she said, and led a special Hanukkah service for children last Friday based on the popular TV series "Blue's Clues." It was yet another cog in her continuing initiative to bring people into the local Reform Jewish community with a focus on "more accessible programming and liturgy."

Hanukkah is a relatively minor holiday on the Jewish calendar but often takes on greater emphasis in American culture because of its proximity to Christmas. It commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after the Jews' three-year battle and victory over Greek invaders in 165 B.C.

In celebration, ancient Jews lit the menorah in the temple. There was only enough oil to last a day, yet the flame continued for eight days until more oil was found. Consequently, the celebration is an eight-day observance.

Rabbi Rosen said when you look at Jewish history, "ultimately, it's all about doing what you need to do to adapt and survive. I'm working on a similar process on a more personal level."

She said she hasn't had to take extensive time away from her work at the synagogue, even when she underwent four rounds of chemotherapy. But she's learned that when the bad days come she has to listen to what her body is saying and let others take over or take charge.

"That's not something that comes easy to any of us," she said, recalling the "wonderful, mystical concept (in Judaism) that when God created the world, in order for it to come into existence, God, who was everywhere, had to contract. And that contraction allowed the world to come into being.

"I think we all have to learn at some level in our own lives to do that — to pull back — in order to let others take over and shine and show interdependence."

While it's difficult to change roles — from serving others to letting them serve her — she's learned its OK to admit her own weaknesses. But she's also found empowerment in watching others take satisfaction in serving her.