Happy Hanukkah

by Rabbi Katy Z. Allen
photos by Gabi Mezger and Rabbi Katy Z. Allen


For eight nights,

as we kindle lights

in the dark and the cold,

may the flickering candles

inspire us
to celebrate
the creation of this amazing world.

May the lights that break the darkness

remind us

of G!d's long-ago promise
never again to destroy this world.

May the lights that break the darkness

remind  us

to notice the symbol of that promise
all around us.

Each night,

for eight nights,

may the lights that break the darkness

remind us of what we know:

that it is up to us

to honor and to preserve

the wonder

the beauty

the intricacy

the delicacy

the power.

May the lights that break the darkness,

give us the strength to prevail,

the courage to keep on loving,

the wisdom to appreciate blessings,

the patience to pursue justice,

the openness to continue praying,

and the understanding

that each of us can, indeed,

make a difference,

and can make the world

just a little bit better

than it was before.

Chag urim sameach - Happy Hanukkah,

Rabbi Katy