The Jewish festival of Hanukkah begins this evening and will be celebrated for eight nights, through December 18th. Hanukkah means “to dedicate” in Hewbrew, as the festival celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem in the second century B.C. The new temple required pure, holy olive oil to light its menorah, and according to tradition, there was only enough oil to last for one day. However, the oil continued to burn for eight days, and so this miracle is commemorated by the eight day Festival of Lights, Hanukkah.

Of course this is a very abridged version of the story of Hanukkah, and yet even in its simplicity I think it reveals Hanukkah’s themes and symbols that can speak to many of us, across faith traditions: dedication, hope, spiritual freedom, miracles, praise, and thanksgiving.

I especially appreciate the symbolism of glowing lights. I’m reminded of the Divine Light within all of us and the importance of us sharing our unique light with others. Here’s a portion of a prayer that beautifully captures this sentiment:

“Lamps Within” by Alden Solovy

A lamp glows inside your heart,
With eight ways to light it,
Eight ways to keep it shining,
Eight ways to keep its glow.

Light it with your joy.
Light it with your tears.
Light it with this song.
Light it with the works of your hands.
Light it with hope.
Light it with service.
Light it with this prayer.
Light it with praise to God’s holy name.

Bring the lamp of your soul out into the street
So that all who have forgotten
The miracles around us
Will remember the beauty within,
So that all who have forgotten
The miracles of old
Will remember and rejoice.

May we all seek to share our light with one another this holiday season.

Blessings & peace to you,
Jennifer, CPE Intern