Lighting Our Candles with Intention

Hanukkah comes in the deepest darkness of the year. As we light our Hanukkah lights this year, we hold fast to the meaning of this holiday. The word Hanukkah means dedication, an idea that has particular resonance in this year that has been a year like no other. Through it all, our Jewish community continues to demonstrate resilience, unity, and dedication to our faith and culture of the Jewish community. In the darkness of the winter, we rededicate ourselves to reaffirming our commitment to the values and ideals of Judaism. Despite all of the challenges that we continue to face, we stand strong. Am Yisrael Chai!

Many Jews have a custom of sharing a kavannah (an intention) for each night of lighting the Hanukkiah. Here are readings for this year:

First Night – These Hanukkah lights honor the bravery and dedication of the Maccabees. They fought for the freedom to worship as they believed, giving their lives so we could live in freedom. As we light these candles, we recommit ourselves to creating a world where all people are free to worship as they choose.

Second Night – As we come together to celebrate Hanukkah, we are reminded of the precious gift of family and friendship. Sometimes, in the rush of daily life, we forget to show how much we care. As we light these candles tonight, let us promise to cherish our moments together, sharing our hearts and time. Just as the Maccabees faced their challenges side by side, we recommit ourselves to supporting each other through life’s highs and lows, bound by the love we share.

Third Night – On this third night of Hanukkah, we rededicate ourselves to the study of our tradition. Just as the Maccabees bravely fought to preserve our faith, we too are called to sustain our heritage by deepening our understanding of it. In expanding our knowledge of Judaism, we become more attuned to its values. As we light these Hanukkah candles, let us renew our commitment to exploring and embracing our rich traditions.

Fourth Night – The story of Hanukkah reminds us to live with hope. Hope is not about wishing that circumstances will change, it is about using what we have to work towards improving the world. Today, many face fear, loneliness, and despair. Like the Maccabees, we take action to fulfill our vision of hope for the future. We work to ensure that in our community there is comfort, food and shelter for those in need. As we light these Hanukkah candles, let us commit to making sure that everyone’s basic needs are met.

Fifth Night – Our tradition tells us of the importance of light. Through the darkness of thousands of years in exile our people clung to a beacon of hope of a Promised Land, Eretz Yisrael, our homeland. Tonight’s candles remind us that we are part of K’lal Yisrael, the Jewish people. Especially this year we pray that the light of peace will illuminate our homes, and the homes of our people in Israel. As we light these Hanukkah candles, may a new light shine with hope and peace for our future.

Sixth Night – The candles of Hanukkah remind us of our mission as Jews. Like the Maccabees, we seek to rededicate ourselves to following the path of our Jewish tradition. Today many in our world are living in conflict, oppression and war. The glow of the candles reminds us of the need to find common ground, to find a way to resolve conflict, and start to make peace a reality. As we kindle our Hanukkah lights, let us rededicate ourselves to the task of making the world free of war and conflict.

Seventh Night – Respecting the liberty and freedom of all people is the cornerstone of a just world. The Maccabees of old fought to protect themselves when their rights were violated. Our Hanukkah lights remind us that true security comes when we honor each other’s freedom and dignity. As we light these candles, let us renew our commitment to working for the rights of all people.

Eighth Night – Tonight, we light all the candles of our Hanukkiah. For centuries, the Hanukkiah has symbolized our faith. Like the Maccabees, we rededicate ourselves to living a more meaningful Jewish life. As we light these candles, we pray that in the coming year, we live our ideals of freedom, courage, tzedakah, family, study, hope, peace, and respect, all beautifully symbolized by the lights of our Menorah.

Chag Hanukkah Sameach!

Rabbi Audrey S. Pollack

Filed under: Rabbi's Message

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