Thoughtful commentary and context for how to light a menorah responsibly and respectfully.

We could have assimilated but instead / we rededicate

We honor the great mystery of the universe, the source of all, which deems everything sacred by its power to unite us...

We light this chalice to remember the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days.

We light the Hanukkah candles in wonder, joy, and gratitude, each candle a miracle. When the Holy Temple was rededicated at the time of the Maccabean liberation battle, only one day’s worth of oil remained, yet it burned for eight days so we light candles in remembrance....

As December opens up before us, we welcome in the gift of reflection.

Sheet music (PDF). Kindle candles one by one; night by night, the light it grows. Lights of freedom miracle of faith! Shining out for all to see. We give thanks for miracles. Ancestors who fought for faith. They were brave beyond all hope! Strong, courageous Maccabees. Blessed is the Holy One who...

Christmas and Hanukah once upon a time were about struggle, hope, and freedom. Both stories are exile stories pointing out how even a glimmer of light can provide a lasting hope for the triumph of all that is good. While we haven’t altogether lost these themes in our modern interpretations, we...

George: This is Angel Gabriel of KGOD airwaves, coming to you live from the downtown mall in Bethlehem. The air is positively solar as frenzied shoppers scurry from store to store, their camels and donkeys weighted down with purchases. The beasts bawl. There are only, count ‘em and weep shoppers,...

Spirit of Life, The beginning of the holiday season is filled with temptations to conspicuous consumptions, and pleas for generosity. The contrasts between the values represented by this time of year, and our ability to fulfill them, remind us how great the distance can be between aspirations and...