One of the things I love about Hanukkah is how we add to the number of candles we light each night. Seeing the aura of light grow stronger and stronger as it dispels the darkness around us fills me with hope. During this Hanukkah season, when so many of us are celebrating apart from family and friends, it is especially important to remember how powerful each candle can be in dispelling loneliness and fear. We are each lights in our community, and when we take a moment and reach out to others who might be alone or struggling, we become even stronger.

At Gateways, we are working to amplify that light—to extend our hands to our community in a time of disconnection. For example, when we decided to "go remote" for our Sunday and B'nei Mitzvah programs, we stayed in touch with the families of students who have more trouble accessing our program online, sending them messages and Hanukkah gifts.

This is why I quoted Rav Soloveitchik in my remarks at Sweet Sounds (see the video above!), and why I say it again now: "It is a privilege and a pleasure to belong to such a prayerful, charitable, teaching community, which feels the breath of eternity."

May the light of Hanukkah continue to spark hope and connection within our community, especially during this time.

Shabbat shalom and Chag Hanukkah sameach.