Chanukah 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. Chanukah means "rededication." Tonight, we dedicate our lighting to those in our lives who have made a difference or are making one right now. This year, we are not only Continue Reading
Increase the Light
Tonight we light the 3rd candle of Hanukkah. The story of Hanukkah is that even in the darkest of times, we make light. The tradition is that we light a new candle for each of the 8 nights of the holiday, thereby increasing the light each night. The rabbis understood that light was not just the physical light that we see with our eyes. There's an inner Continue Reading
Chanukah 2018: 8th Night is About JOY
Tonight we light the 8th and final candle of Chanukah this year. The question tonight is: What are 8 things that bring you joy. Joy is the deep experience of happiness. It could be a moment of wonder (watching a grandchild grow and change every day) or a friend with whom you feel glee, or it could be the feeling you have at the ocean or in the forest or Continue Reading
Chanukah 2018: 7th Night is About Gratitude
Tonight we light the 7th candle of Chanukah. The question tonight is: What are 7 things for which you are grateful? Each awareness of gratitude is a vehicle for light flowing into our lives. Here are mine (not in order): The ability to learn and gain knowledge and having the good fortune to study with amazing teachers. Living in Southern Continue Reading
Chanukah 2018, Fourth Night Is About FOOD
Tonight we light the 4th candle of Chanukah. Our discussion question tonight should be SUPER FUN: What four foods are comforting to you (bring you light). They don't *have* to be Chanukah food, but if that is what comes to mind, all the more perfect. When I published a Zimmerman Family Cookbook many years ago, I reached out to members on both Ely's and my Continue Reading