Two Candles: Thanks for Creation

In Rededication, a series for Chanukah by Rabbi Yael Levy, we are invited to notice the blessings and lift up the good.

Here is tonight’s teaching:

Two Candles: Thanks for Creation

As we light the candles welcoming the second night of Chanukah, we rededicate ourselves to caring for the earth. In the beauty of the flames, we remind ourselves that we live in an interdependent relationship with all beings, with all life. We affirm that this living, breathing planet nurtures and sustains us and that everything we do affects the well being of all. On this second night of Chanukah, as we light the candles, we give thanks for creation, and we name places that offer us beauty and refuge.

Bless the Mysterious, Infinite Unfolding of all, my soul. Psalm 104:1

Practice: Awareness of Interdependence

Taking our seats, we close our eyes and let the attention rest gently on the breath. After a few moments, we call forth beautiful, inspiring images of nature; trees, sky, rivers, birds, animals -- and we remind ourselves that one breath, one life force flows through us all.

With each breath, we invite the awareness that we breathe together with all beings and all the earth. One breath, one life force flows through all. As we close the sit, we give thanks for the beauty and bounty of the earth.

Action: Help for the Earth

In honor of the second day of Chanukah, we give tzedakah to one of the many organizations dedicated to the well-being of the planet.


Rabbi Yose the Galilean says,
Whatever the Holy One, Blessed be God,
created in the world, God also created in each of us . . . .
God created forests in the world and God created forests in each of us . . .
God created a wind in the world and God created a wind in each of us . ..  
God created a sun in the world and God created a sun in each of us . . .
Salt water in the world and salt water in each of us . . .
Sweet waters in the world and sweet waters in each of us . . .
Stars in the world and stars in each of us . . .
Mountains and valleys in the world and mountains and valleys in each of us . . .
Trees in the world and trees in each of us . . .

-- Avot de Rabbi Natan 31

In this video, Peter, Paul and Mary remind us that this land is made for all of us.

--Rabbi Yael Levy