Every state has its symbols and culture. One of the most famous symbols of each state is the state flag. Of all the state flags of the fifty states that make up this great nation, there is one flag that sticks out the most: the flag of our home state of Ohio. While all other flags are the typical rectangular shape, the official flag of the state of Ohio is shaped like a burgee or pennant banner. The history behind the Ohio flag is fascinating. For close to one hundred years after its founding in 1803, the state of Ohio did not have an official flag. In 1901, the Pan-American Exposition Fair took place in Buffalo, NY. The exposition was going to have an Ohio building and it would only be fitting that there should be a flag on top of the building. The official architect of the building, John Eisemann, decided to design a flag for the building that would represent his thoughts and feelings for Ohio. It was a personal venture and he even patented the design of the flag for himself! He later shared his thoughts that went into the design: “The triangles formed by the main lines of the flag represent the hills and valleys as typified in the state seal, and the stripes the roads and waterways. The stars, indicating the 13 original states of the Union, are grouped about the circle, which represents the Northwest Territory; and that Ohio was the seventeenth state admitted into the Union is shown by adding four more stars. The white circle with its red center not only represents the initial letter of Ohio, but is suggestive of its being the Buckeye State.” Something very dramatic happened at that exposition: the assassination of President William McKinley, who was from Ohio. The President had come to speak at the exposition. The following is some of what he said: “Let us remember that our interest is in concord, not conflict, and that our real eminence rests in the victories of peace, not those of war. We hope that all who are represented here may be moved to higher and nobler effort for their own and the world’s good, and that out of this city may come, not only greater commerce and trade, but more essential than these, relations of mutual respect, confidence and friendship which will deepen and endure.” He was shaking hands with the public when anarchist Leon Czolgosz shot him twice in the abdomen. McKinley died of gangrene caused by the wounds on September 14. He was the third American president to be assassinated, following Abraham Lincoln in 1865 and James A. Garfield in 1881. Afterward, Ohio House Rep. William S. McKinnon proposed the red, white and blue design as the state flag of Ohio. The proposition was accepted by the Ohio Legislature in 1902. It has been publicly and proudly displayed ever since. We, the Jewish people, also have our symbols and culture. One of our most famous symbols is the menorah. The menorah is the symbol that represents the resilience and commitment of the Jewish people to Hashem and our sacred heritage. It is also a reminder that when we commit ourselves to serving Hashem, like the inspired Maccabees, miracles can happen. While it is obviously very important to ensure that there is a menorah with real candles lit in every Jewish home, it is also important to get the message of Chanukah spread publicly to as many people as possible. Our sages teach us that during the holiday of Chanukah we should be involved with “Pirsumei nissah” — “spreading the miracle” of Chanukah. This can be accomplished in many ways and the following are some practical ideas: posting Chanukah messages or symbols on your social media account, or participating — and encouraging others to participate as well — in the many public menorah lightings that occur throughout the festival. I would like to finish with a final thought: The flag of Ohio is famous for the part of the flag — at the tail end — which is actually missing. That has taught me a valuable lesson: Two of the most valuable attributes that are a necessity when being a living symbol of Judaism is humility and selflessness. The less we focus on our own ego and leave room for others to grow and shine, the larger positive effect we will have on the entire world. The Ohio flag is unique and so should be its citizens. Wishing everyone an inspired and happy Chanukah!
Chanukah lessons from the Ohio flag
