Hanukkah begins in the darkest month of the year. We light the menorah (hanukkiah) for eight nights but we begin with just one. Each night, we increase the light by adding one new candle. Hanukkah means "rededication." Tonight, we dedicate our lighting to deep knowing. It is hard to believe that we are still in the unknown: how will we be affected by new Continue Reading
Chanukah Night #8: Joy
Tonight we light the 8th candle for Chanukah and ask the final question, which is about JOY & Laughter. Tonight's question is this: What 8 things bring you joy or laughter? Watching birds soaring on the shifting currents of the air. It makes me stop for a second and ponder that feeling of just letting be…I also love watching the hummingbirds and Continue Reading
Chanukah Night #7: Grateful
Tonight we light the 7th candle of Chanukah. The question today is: For what 7 things are you grateful? Here are mine (not in order): Creativity - the constant flow of ideas and projects that stimulate and give me a zest for life. This takes the form of putting lesson plans together or knitting or gardening or taking photos. Creativity is like a Continue Reading
Chanukah Night #6: Gifts
Tonight we light the 6th candle of Chanukah. The question today is: What six gifts have you received that have lit up your life? However you want to define “gift” is fine. Here are mine: A Gift From My Mother-In-Law Pearl z''l. One day, when my mother-in-law Pearl z’’l was visiting us in Seattle, she came with me on an errand. As I parked to go into Continue Reading
Chanukah 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 including a tv series that was a welcome distraction. Here is my list for this year: Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent Continue Reading