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Chanukah always comes during the darkest part of the year. It seems pretty ironic that we celebrate the Festival of Lights when the hours of daylight are at their low point and the night is at its longest. But maybe that’s the whole point: into this time of darkness come the flames of the Chanukah candles, bringing light and joy to all who see them.

It may seem like the world around us is at a season of darkness, with much to cause us unease and worry these days. But I’m reminded of the lesson from a debate in the Talmud between Rabbi Hillel and Rabbi Shammai. Shammai said we should light all 8 candles on the first night of Chanukah, then light one fewer each night, counting down the remaining days of the holiday.

Hillel said we should start with just one candle on the first night, then add one each night. His reasoning was that we should always increase in sanctity, increase in joy, and increase in light.

I keep that teaching in mind during these days when much seems dark. Kindling a candle against the darkness and watching the lights grow day by day brings me hope. The only way to banish darkness is by light. And I have hope that the light of friendship, of tolerance, of love, of joy, can banish any darkness that threatens us. That is the meaning of the Festival of Lights for me this year.

I hope you will take the opportunity to celebrate with your TBS community. We have so many great Chanukah happenings! You can light candles online together on Tuesday or Wednesday nights, purchase Chanukah goodies from the Sisterhood Boutique on Sunday, attend all the various Chanukah parties, donate to our “Let There Be Light … and Cameras” security initiative, or bring your candles and chanukiyah next Friday night to the Shabbat of Chanukah service featuring Cantor Lindsay, and more! See below in this newsletter for all the details.

Whether joining in these community events or celebrating with friends and family, I wish you a very happy Chanukah. May it be a season of light for us all.