Winter 2020 – 2021 | Choref 5781
The Hanukkah Lights of Hope for 2021 Last year around this time, I had a “dad joke” that we will understand this year better at the end, because “hindsight is 2020.” Well, I didn’t realize at that time how prophetic it was. Looking back over the year, this was one that none of us will ever forget. Tension and stress and anxiety came from all directions. From the never-ending election process, to racial injustice, to unemployment, to a failing economy—all packed inside a pandemic that caused life as we knew it to come to a halt. This year has been virtual services, virtual meetings, virtual meditation, virtual dinners—it’s all virtual, and yet it is not virtual—it’s all actually happening, and if there was ever a year we needed to end with the light of hope, it is this year. Hanukkah comes just in time to shed the light of hope and freedom of expression upon all of us. This year, let’s use the lights each night to remind ourselves that we have the power to improve our lives through how we interact with all of the turmoil and challenges 2020 has presented to us. Eight nights of Hanukkah. Eight nights to gird ourselves with the power to improve ourselves and the world. Each night this year, let’s remember one of the ways we can help to make the world better in the midst of the uncertainty. Each night think of one way you can better your situation. You can come up with these themes together as a family, or you can use these examples: Candle 1: I commit to wearing a mask every time I leave the house, keeping me and those around me safe. Candle 2: I commit to social distancing when around those not in my “bubble.” Candle 3: I commit to being more patient with my family as we continue to stay home. Candle 4: I commit to participating in one event to promote racial justice in the world. Candle 5: I commit to helping the homeless in my city through a volunteer effort or donation. Candle 6: I commit to go outside to get fresh air at least once a day. Candle 7: I commit to try and understand those whose views are different than mine. Candle 8: I commit to spreading love and goodness to those around me—being a light for life and truth and peace. Happy Hanukkah in 2020. May the light shine upon all of us for a good and healthy 2021.
Rabbi Jonathan Aaron Senior Rabbi
Eight Nights of Hanukkah Lights December 10-17, 6:15 pm, Zoom
Join us every night beginning December 10 to light the Hanukkah lights on Zoom! Each night a different part of our community will lead us in lighting the candles at 6:15 pm. We’ll have two special events in addition to a Zoom lighting on December 11 for Hanukkah Shabbat, and a special Havdalah with Rabbi Aaron and family on December 12! Learn more at tebh.org/Hanukkah.