The Light of Shabbat, The Light of Hanukkah

Week after week, we bring in the light of Shabbat.

We women strike the match, anticipating the Shabbat glow enveloping us,

the warmth, the coziness, the exhale.

We say the beracha quietly, in a moment of deep connection:

with ourselves and with G-d, with Jewish women everywhere.

The light stirs us from inside, and settles there too.

We welcome G-d in; into the space we have created for us ..

the set table, the elevated meal.

We are ready.

Our Shabbat light is spiritual, but also practical.

It brightens the room, softens the ambiance,

and brings a calm, steady warmth to the soul.

Shabbat light is the essence of feminine energy:

internal, quiet, spiritual, contained.

It moves us from within.

On Hanukkah our light is big and public.

It is male energy; spreading infinitely, purposefully.

Ready to take on the world.

We want others to see.

To learn.

Both the light and its message:

We are here.We matter.

G-d saved us then,

and He will again.

To illuminate and to spread.

Not to be used.

The Hanukkiah’s light is to give life

to a miracle of years past.

We light together as a family

and sing with a spirit uplifted ..

our joy unbound, the bigness returns.

Of what was, what is, and what will be.

We illuminate the world with our faith,

with who we are.

We light after dark

the light’s only purpose:

to spread itself.