This Shabbat, the 19th day of Kislev, is a day of celebration. It marks the turning point, when the dissemination of Kabbalah/Chassidic teachings entered a new phase of accessibility, establishing it as an essential element in Jewish life. This day empowers each of us to dig deeper into our own soul and its limitless potential as a reservoir for joy, spirituality and meaning.
Then on Thursday comes Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, bringing home the same message: Even the smallest flame can illuminate much darkness, even on a cold(ish) winter night. Each soul is a candle. Within each of us lies the potential to illuminate our own life and the lives of those around us with goodness, peace and positivity, irrespective of how challenging and ‘dark’ things around us may seem.
This year especially, as the forces of evil have wreaked havoc since Oct. 7th and have not backed down, as many hostages remain in savage captivity. Yet, this immense darkness brought about an unprecedented measure of light, as Jews in Israel and the world over are identifying more with their Jewishness, are more proudly Jewish than ever and are finding common ground with Jews whom they rarely encountered before.
These holidays empower us to seize the moment and continue to dig deeper, uncovering wellsprings of faith, optimism and commitment, to embrace our calling and mission. By expressing our Judaism through observing Mitzvahs like lighting Shabbat and Chanukah candles, wrapping Teffilin and giving charity, we will illuminate the darkness and bring redemption to ourselves and the world around us.