Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

What can the lights of Chanukah mean for us?

The Shamash is the light that serves the others. This light can refer to the essential and front line workers who have served us all during the pandemic.

The eight lights:

1. The light from within our souls that is always burning. How can we nurture that light?

2. The light of religious freedom for all peace loving religions and cultures. How can we expand that light?

3. The light of Torah and Mitzvot. What will each of us do to broaden our devotion to Torah study and the observance of Mitzvot?

4. The light of unity. What will the Jewish people do to enrich unity and minimize divisiveness?

5. The light of love. How will individuals, families, and communities spread love in our world?

6. The light of faith. What will we do to brighten our belief in God and Godly values in our lives and the life of our people?

7. The light of Israel. Each morning we pray for a new light to shine upon Zion. What are we doing to spread the light of Israel as a beacon to the world?

8. The light of optimism. How can we use the light of a positive outlook to dispel the darkness of negativity and anxiety?

What other interpretations of Chanukah light might you share this year?

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison