Lifting Up the Light

Dear Friends,

As we enter the Festival of Chanukah, which begins tonight, let’s open to the resilience, hope and possibility that shines through the Chanukah lights.

As the story relates: The Temple lay in ruins. Devastation was everywhere and still people gathered and searched for ways to rekindle the light. Amid the rubble, a tiny drop of oil was found. Not knowing if their actions could make any difference, the people lit the oil -- and it burned brighter and longer than anyone thought possible.

Chanukah encourages us to search for and lift up light, even when so much lies in ruin.

Chanukah calls on us to cultivate active hope, the willingness to act in times of great turmoil and be nourished by each other’s devotion and care.

Chanukah calls us to remember that just because we cannot see how healing could come to our tumultuous and frightened world, this does not mean it won’t happen. Chanukah calls us beyond what we think we know, to a place where the miraculous is possible.

The mystics teach that the Chanukah lights shine from the beginnings of creation revealing ruach elohim, the Divine Spirit in all. These lights are filled with chen, pure love freely given.

May the Chanukah flames nourish our hearts and souls.

May they shine with love, bringing moments of joy filled possibility.

And may these lights that come from the depths of mystery,

Illuminate pathways of healing and peace.

I look forward to beginning Chanukah together tonight.

Go to connection information.

Go to prayers and intentions for each night of Chanukah

Love to all, Rabbi Yael