A prayer for all 8 nights of HanukkahThe holiday which celebrates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem following its conquest by the Syrians in 165 BCE. The holiday is celebrated by lighting candles in a hanukiyah oon each of eight nights. Other customs include the eating of fried foods such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiot (jelly donuts), playing dreidl (a gambling game with a spinning top), and, in present day America, gift giving.
Just as Hanukkah marks the turning point in the year from growing darkness to growing light, may it also mark for us this year a turning point from war and killing and curse, toward peace and blessing and hope. May the hostages be returned speedily, may the destruction of Gaza stop, and may there be room for peace and blessing in the land of the promise, from the river to the sea. As the United States government turns to emplacing a new administration, may we be strengthened in our resolve to care for the stranger, to fight for the climate and for all living creatures, to live toward peace and justice. May we protect just laws, and may our resistance to unjust laws or unjust systems be firm. May our hearts be courageous. May our hands be strong. May our work succeed. V’hyi no’am Adonai Eloheinu aleinuPrayer proclaiming God’s kingship, said near the conclusion of the prayer service., uma’aseh yadeinu kon’na aleinu, uma’aseh yadeinu kon’neyhu.
A note on using this prayer:
Eight qualities are mentioned in the prayer: Peace Blessing Hope Return Promise Strength Life Courage. You can pick one to focus on each night (you can do them in the order they appear in if you like). Where do you find that quality in you? Where do you find it in the world? What will a life, or a world, transformed by that quality look like? Feel like?
