December 14: Finding Light in Heavy Darkness

Tonight, as we prepare to light the first candle of Chanukah, many of us are finding it difficult to summon the joy usually associated with this season.

We are entering the Festival of Lights during a week that has felt overwhelmingly dark.

It is impossible to light our menorahs tonight without holding space for the grief in our hearts. We mourn the horrific attack on the Jewish community at Bondi Beach and feel the pain of rising antisemitism. Closer to home, we stand with our immigrant neighbors reeling from the fear of this week’s ICE raids across our communities, and the continued devastation of gun violence in educational spaces.

The story of Chanukah is not about an easy miracle; it is about finding the light when hope is nearly lost. At NCJW|MN, we embrace the tradition that lighting the menorah is an act of defiance and commitment.

We light for Resilience: We refuse to let terror extinguish our spirit, remembering those lost and honoring our tradition.

We light for Justice: We recommit to fighting for a Minnesota where all families are safe, welcome, and free from the threat of separation by ICE.

We light for Peace: We renew our demand for a society that protects our children and communities from gun violence.

Tonight, as you strike the match, let it be a commitment. We do not ignore the darkness; we name it, and then kindle a light against it.

May the light of this first candle bring comfort to the grieving, strength to the fearful, and resolve to us all.