Four Candles: Shabbat Rest

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:

Four Candles: Shabbat Rest

As we light the Chanukah candles, and then the Shabbat flames, we rededicate ourselves to gifts of Shabbat. Shabbat calls us to stop, to rest and remember that pausing and resting are sacred practices that bring us into deeper and more expansive relationship with ourselves, each other and the Mysterious Unfolding of Life.

We invite our Shabbat rest to inspire wonder, awe and appreciation and, as the candles burn, we name something good we have noticed or experienced this past week.  

On the seventh day we rest and refresh our souls.  Exodus 31:17

Practice: Unplug

Let us consider “unplugging” for some of Shabbat. Let us invite the experience of not engaging with email or the Internet and seeing what it feels like to not use our computers during this day.

Let us notice and experience moments of beauty and connection.  Let us look at the world with wonder and amazement and give thanks for the food we eat, the beauty we behold and the people we encounter.

Let us also invite ourselves to rest and nap.

-- Rabbi Yael Levy

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A Way In has prepared several resources for a meaningful, mindful Chanukah:

If you are already a subscriber to our newsletter, you will be receiving a free PDF of blessings "Lifting Up the Lights of Chanukah," Rabbi Yael Levy's translation of the Chanukah blessings as well as intentions for each day of the holiday. If you are not currently a subscriber, you can sign up now.

In addition, you will receive an email on each night of Chanukah that includes a teaching and suggestion for practice. The postings also will appear here on the A Way In website and on Facebook.

It is traditional to sing Hallel on each night of Chanukah. "Chanukah Lights: Psalms of Hallel," Rabbi Yael's e-book translation of the Psalms of Hallel (Psalms 113 to 118), is available for $4.99. Purchase the book.

Finally, donate to A Way In in honor or in memory of someone in your life who brings light. We will send a personal acknowledgment to the person you desgnate and publish their name and "quality of light" on our website on the 6th night of Chanukah and after the holiday.