Approximately 2200 years ago, at the time of Chanukah (Dedication), there were about 8 million Jews in the world—in the Middle East, Northern Africa, and Southern Europe. The demographers, people who track populations, calculated that 2200 years later, today, there should be approximately 700,000 Jews in the world. But we know that’s not the case. There are only about 14 million. What does that mean? That means that approximately 98% of all Jews in the world have vanished, disappeared.
When you see another Jew, you should hug them, you should kiss them. Of course, you can’t; you’ll get arrested. What can you do? When you see a Jew in the street, tell them hello. Say, “Have a nice day, nice to see you.” If you can’t do that, at least go like this. Recognize that they’re there. Even better, give them a smile. You know what that does? Two things. Number one, the other person says, “Look at that. Somebody recognized me. Somebody validated me. Someone saw that I’m here. Someone smiled at me. I feel like a million bucks.”
Number two, I want you to do an experiment. Next time you’re really angry, really, really angry about something, stop and smile from ear to ear. You can’t be angry. Why? Because when you smile, it automatically lifts your spirits. You’re doing yourself a favor. When you see a fellow Jew, tell them hello. Smile at them. It’s good for him and it’s good for you. Make yourself a promise. Over the next two weeks, every Jew you see in the street, you’re going to tell them, “Happy Chanukah. Happy Chanukah.”