Lights in the Darkness

How can we celebrate in dark times? How do we feel joy when the news keeps telling us of the atrocities committed, the lives lost, and the continued war with all its horror and destruction?

It feels difficult to think of joy and celebration at this time. And we are right to feel this, to feel unease, unbalanced, grieving, fearful, angry. It is OK to not be OK at the moment. It's important to acknowledge these feelings.

It is also important to remember that even during the bleakest part of the Second World War there were still bar mitzvahs, weddings were celebrated, Shabbat went ahead every week, families gathered at the Seder table, children went to Hebrew classes and learned about our tradition. The cycle of the year continued, not in spite of what was happening, but in connection with it. No one pretended that the outside world was not happening, but for a few hours people came together to remember a different way of being, to be reminded that it was not always going to be like this, and to keep hope alive by being together.

I don’t know who said this but I’ve found it a really helpful reminder when times look bleak; “Hope is a fuel, not a strategy”. In times like this it is important that we come together, to connect with others, and to help fuel each other's hope for better days. Isolating ourselves is not a good idea. Sometimes we need others to help spread the light for us.  Sometimes we need to light it for others.

Whether you will be with us tomorrow night or are joining family and friends, remember to reach out, and light Shabbat candles so that we can spread a little light, a little hope.