In a moving piece from Hannah Arendt, she notices that dark times are not rare, but that we have a “right to expect some illumination.” Arendt writes that this illumination comes from human beings who kindle a light with the way they live their lives. When we remember those people who illuminated our lives, it can light us up again and again.
“…Dark times.. are not only not new, they are no rarity in history…Even in the darkest of times we have the right to expect some illumination, and that such illumination may well come less from theories and concepts than from the uncertain, flickering, and often weak light that some men and women, in their lives and their works, will kindle under almost all circumstances and shed over the time span that was given them on earth… Eyes so used to darkness as ours will hardly be able to tell whether their light was the light of a candle or that of a blazing sun.
Memory is a powerful thing. We can draw on good memories to help sustain us in challenging times.
Hannah Arendt suggests that even the light of a single candle, we can experience as the “blazing sun.”
Memory and Resilience
Sharing good memories can be profoundly healing, both for us and for those with whom we share them.
In these times of war and sadness, take some time to remember previous Hanukkahs, or people who made a difference in your life, or a time when you were filled with hope.
In this way, memories can light up the darkness.
To explain the connection between story and resilience, the psychologists coined the term “intergenerational self.” It’s a sense that you’re part of something bigger, that your life is an episode in a larger narrative.
Marshall Duke, a professor at Emory University, who also happens to be Jewish, compared this idea to a bubbemeise, Yiddish for “grandmother’s tale.” In his family, Duke recounts, the grandmother will say, ” ‘You’re having trouble with math, kid? Let me tell you, your father had trouble with math. You don’t want to practice piano? Boy, your aunt Laura didn’t want to practice piano, either.’ Whatever problem the child has, the grandmother has a story for it—even if it’s made up!”
What memories of Hanukkah celebrations impacted you and why?
What new memories are you making this year?
Bringing Light to Darkness
Memories From Our Community
My entire timeline on social media has been lit up by photos people are posting of their Hanukkiahs. Each one has a story. Some of the photos on this page are ones people permitted me to share here. The photos do not necessarily correspond with the quote from our Hineni Spiritual Community members.
My birth family singings Rock of Ages while the wind-up musical menorah played the tune in the background. We sang with full-throated, although off-keyed merriment. We knew all the words to the first stanza, not much in the second stanza, and a few more in the third stanza, but we somehow made it through all three stanzas finishing with an enthusiastic flare.
Elizabet Linda Salzmanh Crouch
I remember lighting the chanukiah on the mantle of our fireplace.
Ter Lieberstein
My Dad’s last Hanukkah with us is one of many of my favorite memories. My family from Israel came in and joined us with guitars, singing & dancing to Hanukkah songs. We made & ate lots of latkes, played driedels, lit the beautiful menorah (that my parents brought back from Israel 25 years ago) which we always light at Hanukkah – a light that is eternal!
Susan Kronish Grotenstein
Hosting Hanukkah parties as my kids grew up and now with my grandchildren. Using my mother’s latke recipe (any recipe of hers!) always makes me feel closer to her now that she’s gone, and entertaining in her spirit as she taught me… to have a plentiful table, to be relaxed so that everyone feels at home, to have a job for anyone who asks, to have “a little something” for EVERY child, and to sing, dance and tell the story. Generations connected.
Rabbi Jill,
I loved this piece you shared with us today. It was so relevant to our American experience and the rest of the world. I’m going to quote you tomorrow in my Sunday sermon for Advent 2. (The coming of the light- be prepared!
Revd Liz
We’ve received and read Rabbi Jill’s letters, since she started – and I always look forward to the pictures of Bo! This year, as we were putting up Christmas decorations, my wife caught an article about Project Menorah, and immediately decided we were participating. We’ve always let friends (Jewish, Muslim, LBGTQ+, etc.) know that we will provide a safe-haven. This just broadens our reach a little.
But, I say this not to brag, but to hopefully let people know that you are loved and protected. What happened on Oct. 7th was beyond horrific. But, the rise in violence and threats since, is intolerable to many of us. I only hope that we can bring our little light, to thank you for what you’ve shared with us, and the lights of our friends that have lessened our darkness.
Thank you for this piece.
My family inspire me with light and hope. Although we weren’t brought up in the Jewish faith so didn’t get to light the menorah when young as I research my family tree I find that Jewish people were accepted into my family from many different areas.
Even my oldest son’s inlaws come from a guy who was part of the military who rescued Jewish people from a death camp.
My father and mother stood up for the opressed and my brothers and sister do the same.
In dark times my family give me hope and we encourage one another to look for that light no matter how dark.
Abba has often shown me there is light when I couldn’t at first see it
Rabbi Jill,
I loved this piece you shared with us today. It was so relevant to our American experience and the rest of the world. I’m going to quote you tomorrow in my Sunday sermon for Advent 2. (The coming of the light- be prepared!
Revd Liz
We’ve received and read Rabbi Jill’s letters, since she started – and I always look forward to the pictures of Bo! This year, as we were putting up Christmas decorations, my wife caught an article about Project Menorah, and immediately decided we were participating. We’ve always let friends (Jewish, Muslim, LBGTQ+, etc.) know that we will provide a safe-haven. This just broadens our reach a little.
But, I say this not to brag, but to hopefully let people know that you are loved and protected. What happened on Oct. 7th was beyond horrific. But, the rise in violence and threats since, is intolerable to many of us. I only hope that we can bring our little light, to thank you for what you’ve shared with us, and the lights of our friends that have lessened our darkness.
God bless.
Thank you J.R. That means a lot.
and, to you too, always.
Thank you for this piece.
My family inspire me with light and hope. Although we weren’t brought up in the Jewish faith so didn’t get to light the menorah when young as I research my family tree I find that Jewish people were accepted into my family from many different areas.
Even my oldest son’s inlaws come from a guy who was part of the military who rescued Jewish people from a death camp.
My father and mother stood up for the opressed and my brothers and sister do the same.
In dark times my family give me hope and we encourage one another to look for that light no matter how dark.
Abba has often shown me there is light when I couldn’t at first see it