Eight Points of Light

Leann Shamash
23 hours ago
3 min read

#chanukah #lights #chanukahlights #lightchanukahcandles #seethelight #findingthepositive #hanukkah #hannukah #ner #nerot #parshatmiketz #breisheet #positivity #australia

Over the course of the past few months, where the Jewish community has been riding a roller coaster of highs and lows; our community experienced another blow as the holiday of Chanukah approached. I had planned this post well before the events in Australia took place on the eve of Chanukah while we are living at a time where we both mourn and celebrate, I ask you to dwell for a few moments on points of light listed below, which focus on the positive and hope.

In Kislev we look back at a time when confusion reigned and violence abounded. The rabbis had to choose what they would emphasize about this Chanukah story and they chose light. Not a giant magnifying torch, but small lights that grow brighter each of eight nights. Lights placed in windows for others to see.

In the midst of the darkest time of the year, these lights have always caught the attention of those who passed by and for the brief moment they contemplate the candles, their attention can be shifted from worries were to brightness.

I am a child of the 60's and I have to admit that my musical taste is most at home with folk songs of that era. One of those pieces of music, sung by Peter, Paul and Mary, exemplifies the power of those small lights. They sing of its longevity, its power to inspire, even at the darkest of times.

Don't let the light go out. It's lasted for so many year. Don't let the light go out. Let it shine through our love and our tears.

To those of you reading this post, see through the darkness to the small flames dancing before you. For the sake of our history, for our community, for our past and our future, find the light through the darkness and celebrate it. It is never too late...so light those candles and be inspired.

You are that candle.

You are that light.

Now go out and shine.

Shabbat Shalom and Chag Chanukah Sameach.

Leann

PS- Always happy to have you share your thoughts. Feel free to send me a message with one or two of your answers.

Eight Points of Light is one where you will have to bit of mining for your answers to the questions below. I wrote the questions, but have to admit that it took me a while to answer them. My hope is that answering the questions will illuminate the light in you and in others.

Perhaps bring them along to your Chanukah celebrations!

Eight Points of Light- Please consider

1. A book or a film that inspired you this past year.

2. An event that lifted your spirits this past year.

3. A song that sheds light upon you.

4. A positive news story that lit your world this past year.

5. A way that you helped others or were helped this year that touched you.

6. A person (anyone…friend, family, public figure) who is like a shining light. After you have jotted down their qualities, take a moment to text or call and let them know how you feel.

7. A positive quote you wish to share with others.

8. A community which has strengthened you this year.

And for the Shamash, a bonus question:

A light you wish to light this year.

Light One Candle by Peter, Paul and Mary