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Bo lighting two candles on the Hanukkiah

Increase the Light: Hanukkah – Day 2

Lighting the Hanukkiah (Menorah) each night for eight nights is the central ritual of Hanukkah. We add a new candle each night, thereby increasing the light. The lighting of the candles on the Hanukkiah is symbolic of a miracle: A long time ago, when there was only enough oil to last one night, but it …

Hanukkah Night #5: People You Admire

The question for tonight’s 5th candle is: What five people inspire you, or bring you light? One way we receive light in our lives is from people we admire. You might be impressed by someone’s courage or compassion or how they confront challenges. They could be people you know personally or someone you’ve not met. …

Books and movies: Hanukkah Night #4

Tonight we light the 4th candle and our question is: What four books or movies impacted you this year? I have heard from many people that since the pandemic, reading for pleasure has been difficult. It has been this way for me, as well, which has been a sadness because reading novels has been a …

2 candles lit on a silver menorah, apricot labradoddle on the couch behind.

Hanukkah Inspirations #2: Formative Experiences

Tonight we light the 2nd candle. For the 1st night, we lit one candle for something we know for sure. Now we turn to experiences. For this 2nd night of Hanukkah, our question is: Which two experiences helped shape who you are today? A premise for these Hanukkah Inspirations is that it is our job …

Hanukkah Inspirations #1: What You Know For Sure

In this new Hanukkah series, I’ll be sharing a daily question and some inspiration for each of the eight nights of Hanukkah. The questions will be geared toward what creates light within you that you share with the world, and they will be great for journaling, and discussing with friends. Tonight’s question is: What do …

Hanukkah Night #8: What Brings You Joy?

Tonight we light the 8th candle for Hanukkah and ask the final question. Tonight, each candle is about JOY & laughter. When we collect moments of joy, we bring light into our lives. Tonight’s question for journaling and discussion is: What 8 things bring you joy or laughter? Here are mine: Reading Tales of the …

Hanukkah Night #6: What Helps You Stop & Rest?

Tonight we light the 6th candle of Hanukkah. And it is also Shabbat, the day of rest. We light the menorah first, and then our Shabbat candles. The question for tonight is: Can you name 6 things that help you rest or stop or take a needed breath? As my teacher Rabbi Sheila Peltz Weinberg …

Hanukkah Night #7: Grateful

Tonight we light the 7th candle of Hanukkah. All throughout this holiday, we have been collecting the ways we actively bring light into our lives, or how we recognize the light. Every night we light one more candle, following the principle of gradually increasing the light (Talmud, Shabbat 21b:5) The experience of being grateful fills …

Hanukkah Night #5: Books & Movies

Tonight we light the 5th Chanukah candle. Here’s tonight’s question: What are 5 books that have been influential or made a difference to you this year? This year, my selections represent the kind of learning and comfort I needed. Here is my list for this year with a quote from each one: Braiding Sweetgrass, Indigenous …

Hanukkah Night #4: Comfort Foods

Tonight we light the 4th candle of Chanukah. Our discussion question tonight should be fun! As we continue to light the lights: What four foods have been comforting to you this past year? They don’t *have* to be Chanukah food, but if that is what comes to mind, all the more perfect. To be honest, …