The word “Hanukkah” – חֲנֻכָּה – means “dedication“.
Tonight is about remembering and affirming what dedication means to you.
The lights on our hanukkiah (menorah) are not only for beauty.
They should serve as a reminder of our core values and the meaningful actions we take to uphold them in the world.
In This Time
In this particular moment, when the world is in dire need of light, I’d like to gently suggest that we dedicate or re-dedicate ourselves to:
- A project that embodies our values
- Finding a community of like-minded individuals
- Self-care
- Seeking joy and beauty and awe
Each one of us is unique and so your dedication is going to reflect who you are and want to be in the world. As Rabbi Kook wisely teaches:
Every person must know and understand that deep within them a candle burns, and their candle is unlike the candle of any other. There is no person without a candle.
Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook
Every person must know and understand that it is upon them to toil
and reveal the light of their candle for others.
They must kindle them into a great torch that will illuminate the entire world.
And together, when we each shine our light, we can light up the world.
Dedicate yourself to a project
First, it’s worth spending time thinking about what you value. Is it equal justice for all? Caring for the vulnerable? Sustaining democracy? Protecting immigrants? Perhaps it is a local community project, like building a neighborhood playground or organizing your community. Or finding a way to help the unhoused in your community. It could be finding a way to create peace and understanding between Jews and Palestinians. Maybe knitting for charity?
What do you care about?
And then, dedicate yourself to finding a way, even a very small way, to DO something that furthers your values.
Find a community of like-minded individuals
In times like these, we need each other. Yes, to band together to take action. But also, to have a group of people that values YOU and lifts you up. Speaking personally, the best times in my life were when I was embedded in a community of people who cared about me and who I cared for deeply.
A community holds you up when you feel down. And in turn, you give back and bring light to others.
We are not meant to be alone. It’s worth the effort to seek out a community where the light shines brightly and authentically. (For anyone interested in Jewish mindfulness, our Hineni community is very special. Find out more here.
Dedicate yourself to finding or recommitting to a community.
Self-Care
How are you filling your cup? Are you taking time to reflect, meditate, learn? How is your body doing? Do you need to exercise more?
How is your heart? Are you taking care to be in relationships that nurture your soul?
Are you doing things you love? Can you take time off?
Dedicate yourself to self-care this next year. Join a gym, set up a weekly walk date with a friend. Go out and just notice the trees in your neighborhood. Make a garden.
Seek joy and beauty and awe
This is not a “nice to do” – it is essential. In a world with so much darkness, there is still so much light. We need to seek it out.
When the news is grim, go to an art museum or walk in nature. Remind yourself of what is beautiful in the world.
When it all feels like too much, find a community garden and notice all that is growing.
Dedicate yourself to the spiritual practice of noticing the good.
Share with someone what you are dedicating yourself to this next year.
From Our Community
Dedications shared by members of our Hineni Spiritual Community:
Alice Krull:
I am dedicated to being kind to even the most passing relationships to spread light & loving-kindness.
Elizabeth Crouch
I am dedicated to giving forward more, laughing more, loving more, and saying my Jewish prayers more.
Tonight we light five candles.
Click here for the Chanukah Blessings to say each night.
Sign up for our Hanukkah emails, which you will receive in your inbox each day. Click here.
Happy Hanukkah
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