Hanukkah

“We’ve come to chase away the darkness, carrying light and fire in our hands…” goes the modern Israeli song. Hanukkah is a time to celebrate the tiny miracle of oil and light, and the spirit of the Jewish people fighting to preserve our identity throughout the course of history. In addition to lighting Hanukkah candles, the rituals of this holiday can be enriched by innovative Hanukkah practices that celebrate women’s connections to the Hanukkah story, that focus on healing, and that offer an inspired role for gift giving.

 

Latest Rituals

“With each prayer, with each Shabbat, with each of the eight nights– / we’ll light our candles on our tables, windowsills, and hearts.”
people gather to light multiple hanukkah menorahs
“The hills of Judea howl with anger. My heart burns like the end of a match…”
lighting hanukkah candles
“sparking hope / for a engulfing glow to illuminate all peoples / through love…”
the moon looms over the mountains in a deep blue sky
“Darkness is Love: / deep, endless, rapturous curiosity / ripe for the work of creation.”
The moon over a wheatfield in a night sky
“Every song / a protest, ready to transform.”
an alter of Hanukkah menorahs
“Tonight, perhaps, don’t be in such a rush / to set up your candles against the dark.”
stars across the night sky
“Jacob teaches, / We weave / And reweave, / The narratives / Of our lives”
three candles glowing orange yellow in the dark
“For a short while the lights mingle harmoniously”
lighting all white hanukkah candles in window with reflection of candles
“For the first time / I will miss / The Hanukkah lights”
nine candles lit against black background
“I look to the next candle in line, / still alive with yellow glow and hope”
fully lit hanukkiyah in the dark with another hanukiyah in the background that appears to be a reflection of the first

The Reconstructionist Network

Serving as central organization of the Reconstructionist movement

Training the next generation of groundbreaking rabbis

Modeling respectful conversations on pressing Jewish issues

Curating original, Jewish rituals, and convening Jewish creatives

Presence and Absence: Images of the Divine in Kabbalah

In this study of the Zohar, Rabbi Margie Jacobs will guide you in exploring the Shekhinah, the feminine, immanent, indwelling Sacred Presence, through the use of art materials and reflective writing. Four sessions starting May 7, 2024. 

Get the latest from Ritualwell

Subscribe for the latest rituals, online learning opportunities, and unique Judaica finds from our store.

The Reconstructionist Network