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 teaches about the Sabbath - "Pausing is not an option. Pausing is Continue Reading
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 us with light. Continue Reading
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 Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge Continue Reading
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, when I am under stress, I lose my appetite, and Continue Reading
Hanukkah Night #3: Music & Poetry
Tonight we light the 3rd candle for Hanukkah. Each night we are responding to a different question related to how we bring light into the world. Our question tonight is: What 3 musicians, poets, or artists inspire you? This past year has been challenging, as we have continued to live in the unknown. Seeking inspiration is one way to bring light into our Continue Reading