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

“On the land / we were forbidden to light / candles, they now burn / under rocket-fire”
close up of five hanukkah candles burning in the dark
This poem emerged from an exploration of the component words of Kislev: kis (pocket) and lev (heart)
smiling asian kid with black long hair holding a glowing heart that appears to be made out of wire with glowing lights in the background
“It isn’t only oil but / The flame of faith that burns”
group of lit menorahs shining in the dark
“We can’t see a seed of light / In the brightness of the day”
closeup of crystal with lit tea light in background on paper with typed words

“We call dormant brightness into being”

Light in Kislev

“The wicks have bowed their heads low”

The Hanukkah Choir of Silence

Bringing mindfulness to the act of welcoming guests through a chant and series of ritual intentions

Eight Ritual Steps of Hakhnasat Orkhim (Welcoming Guests)

a Hanukkah 2020 reflection inspired by the Jewish Studio Art Project 

Rededication

An original melody for Hanukkah

Hanerot Hallalu Kodesh Hem: These Lights of Ours are Holy

“It doesn’t even matter if the miracles are true / What matters is what they stand for”

Pandemic Hanukkah

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

Count On Telling Your Story: A Ritualwell In-Person Immersion

Join us for Count On Telling Your Story: A Ritualwell In-Person Immersion on Sunday, June 9th. Mix and mingle with old and new friends, enjoy delicious kosher-vegetarian food and engage in a variety of creative, thought-provoking sessions exploring rituals, writing, and art.

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The Reconstructionist Network