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How many of you actually have a Chanukiah that uses oil? For those who might, does anyone really know how long the oil is supposed to last?

Whether or not we know exactly how to fuel an ancient lamp one thing that we can all relate to and that is the power of light. Both literally and figuratively, we need light to grow. Our eyes and skin need light, our circadian rhythms require light. Our souls thirst for enlightenment, our brains want to light up with understanding.

In what is the darkest season of the year, we are required to celebrate light. We are grateful for the primordial light, the first light of creation. We are thankful for the warmth of the sun, the far reach of starlight, and the light that sparkles in our children and parents’ eyes, the light that shines within each one of us.

In addition to our Chanukah lights, we light our Shabbat candles as well. We are grateful to be together, to have time to rest and rejoice, to embrace friends and family and come together to find strength and comfort and peace.

If you are joining us for Shabbat services this week, you are invited to bring a Chanukiyah and candles to light as part of our service .

Also, if you want another way to feel the warmth and light of the season, please join us for our Mind, Body and Spirit service (like the one we offered Yom Kippur afternoon) this Saturday 12/16 from 5:30 - 6:15. It will begin with havdalah and candle lighting and feature readings, guided visualization and music for reflection and inspiration.

And so I conclude with a prayer: O God, as we light the lights of Chanukah, continue to light our way, continue to inspire us to seek answers to our most perplexing questions and help us to be a light to others as You are a light to us.