Shining Chanukah Lights

Dear Friends,

As we know, there are so many ways to tell a story. How we begin, what we emphasize and what we leave out all contribute to the meaning and message of the tale.

As we get ready to welcome Chanukah, which begins this year on Sunday night, Dec. 14, I choose to tell the story this way:

The Temple lay in ruins.
Devastation was everywhere.
Instead of giving up and declaring that all was lost, people gathered and searched for ways to rekindle the sacred flame.
Amid the rubble, a tiny drop of oil was found.
Not knowing if their actions would make any difference, people lit the oil -- and it burned brighter and longer than anyone thought possible.

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

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

         Chanukah calls us to remember that just because we cannot see or imagine how change could come to our tumultuous and frightening world, that does not mean transformation can’t happen. Chanukah calls us beyond the limits of certainty to a place where the miraculous is possible.

The mystics teach that the flames we kindle on Chanukah shine from the beginnings of creation. The light they reveal is the One Infinite Divine Light. All is connected; all is held in this Light. Everything and anything is possible. Ruach elohim, the Divine Spirit is in all.

May the Chanukah flames inspire our imagination, resilience and hope.
May they encourage our audacious and creative action for the sake of each other and all life.
May these lights, shining from the depths of mystery, illuminate pathways of justice and peace.

Love to all,
Rabbi Yael

Chanukah 5786
During the darkest time of the year, Chanukah calls us to lift up light.

The mystics teach that the lights we kindle during these eight days shine from the beginnings of creation, revealing hidden possibilities, Divine guidance and renewed strength to help us stand together in these times with determination and devotion.

Listen to the audio recording of the 2024/5785 Chanukah Lights Class

Go to downloadable PDFs with prayers and intentions for each night of Chanukah.