Light One Candle
I have had occasional days where I fail to step outside at all. On a day like that, I realize by the later afternoon that I have missed the restorative light of the sun, the warmth even in winter of being outdoors, and the inspiration that comes from appreciating the beauty of the world. And it reminds me: even if I’m working from home, even if I exercise inside, I still need to be in the world and I still need light and breath.
Hanukkah this year offered me light and breath. At a time of isolation, we gathered thousands from every state in the United States to light our Menorahs. Kol Emeth organized a vaccination for hope, an inoculation to inspire us to bring out light into these next few months as (hopefully) a wave of healing comes into the world.
At a time of being apart, we gathered in a parking lot to hear Hanukkah songs and rocked out! I saw cars shaking, people dancing, and people singing. When I walked up to the front to say a few words, people were shouting greetings and clearly so excited to be together. We found breath because we came together to light and sing.
Hanukkah happened in such a joyous and inspiring way because Kol Emeth willed it into the world. We knew God needed us this year to light the way, to inspire, and invite healing and comfort from above. We all knew an extra effort was going to be needed and we each found enough strength together to kindle a great Menorah of hope.
It happened because Sarah Miller, Rabbi Sarah Graff, Risa Beckwith, Pepe Sanchez, and everyone else on the KE staff put an extra spark into their work to help kindle our lights of hope and healing. It happened because people like the Tassas and the Silvers and the Saals and the Chohans added some fuel in their sponsorship so that the lights would ignite and sustain us.
It happened most because you all came out. People were there in their hundreds, and at IllumiNation in their thousands. I believe we had 300 people at the laser show; at least ten times that number at IllumiNation.
Hanukkah this year was a reminder. A reminder that even when it feels like we are stuck inside and alone we can still find safe ways to be together. Even when it seems dark, we are capable of walking with God to bring new light into the world.
In a year of challenges, we kindled the lights of Hanukkah. A great miracle happened here and I believe it can inspire us and carry us to the redemption and healing that awaits.
Thank you to everyone for bringing light and hope into my Hanukkah!!
With love and Shabbat wishes-
Rabbi David Booth
