Across our planet, almost every population has created a celebration of light during this season of winter solstice, when Earth’s poles reach their maximum tilt away from the sun. Jewish journalist and author Anita Diamant writes: “This is the season when people of all faiths and cultures are pushing back against the planetary darkness. We string bulbs, ignite fires, and light candles. And we sing.” When we experience our planet’s greatest darkness, most human beings instinctively attempt to banish it by creating light and warmth.
Last week, I was driving in the car with my family, and I noticed the most moving light display of the season (pictured above): a large, luminescent Hanukkiah with all the candles burning bright, accompanied by a beautiful sign with stars of David and the words “Happy Holidays” written elegantly. And behind this menorah, a light encircled grouping of Israeli hostage posters, a monument of memory and hope.
This year’s Hanukkah and solstice season have been shadowed by our grief. I read somewhere recently that today is not just December 25, but also October 80, 79 days since our communal tragedy on October 7. And still, as we light our Hanukkah and Shabbat candles, as we decorate and illuminate our homes in the darkest season, we must think of the hostages and victims of war, not just with fear or grief, but with hopeful optimism and endurance. May our acts of kindness and selflessness, our prayers and blessings, our illumination of this dark world create a better tomorrow for our People and all peoples of the Earth.
Our God and God of our ancestors, lead us toward the light.
– Cantor Emma Lutz
