Judith Golden / Middot Nafshi

Reflection for Rosh Chodesh Kislev

By Judith Golden

וְצִוָּֽנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר
Vi-tzi-va-nu L'had-lik Neir.
And You commanded us to kindle light.
We, keepers of the eternal light within,
Obligated to shine forth in the world --
Brightening,
Enlightening,
Warming.

On Shabbat, each week, we kindle twin flames.
One illuminating our week just ended.
One shining forward to guide our day of rest.
Together shedding light on each moment,
Revealing the glory of creation.

On Chanukah, in darkest winter, we grow light.
Using light to kindle light,
A beacon growing in brilliance,
Showing us the way to hope from dark despair.

We, keepers of the eternal light within,
With the light of hope in our eyes,
The flame of compassion in our hearts,
The fire of life in our bellies.
Obligated to use our light to kindle light --
To illuminate the path,
To a clearer truth,
To a warmer community,
To a brighter world,
To the glory of creation.