During the eight days of Chanukkah, we light a candle for each night, until the Chanukkiyyah (Chanukkah M’norah) is ablaze with flames.  We increase the light, and so illumine the darkness that surrounds us.

 

This Chanukkah, let us take the opportunity to think about what we are doing to increase the light in our lives and in our world by asking ourselves the following questions – one for each night:

 

  1. 1.    What am I doing to keep Judaism alive in my life?
  2. 2.    What am I doing to keep Judaism alive in my community?
  3. 3.    What am I doing to contribute to a better relationship between the different Jewish communities in Britain today?
  4. 4.    What am I doing to contribute to a better understanding between the different religious and ethnic groups within Britain today?
  5. 5.    What am I doing to challenge Racism, Anti-Semitism, Xenophobia, Islamophobia, Homophobia and Transphobia in the society around me?
  6. 6.    What am I doing to contribute to healing the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians?
  7. 7.    What am I doing to challenge poverty and injustice both in Britain and throughout the globe?
  8. 8.    What am I doing to contribute to Tikkun Olam, the Repair of the World?

 

Eight nights; eight questions.  As we light the Chanukkah candles each evening, may the increasing light inspire us not only to ask these questions, but to resolve to find a way of responding to them.  And let us say:  Amen.

 

Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah

Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue