General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsFor my fellow Jews who, like I, long for a ceasefire and are wondering how to celebrate Chanukah . . . Day 1
From Rabbis For Ceasefire: Our Candle Lighting Companion provides daily kavanot, intentions, for each candle as well as a song for each day, offered with love and grief and determination.
SHAMASH CANDLE: SHOMRIM: WE KEEP EACH OTHER SAFE
As antisemitism and islamophobia rise, may we find safety through solidarity. We light our candles in windows and other public places to proudly display our Jewish heritage and the Chanukah miracle. We also publicly display our commitment to solidarity and interdependence. May we turn again and again towards a vision of mutual safety and care.
Our Power by Rena Branson
We will not underestimate
Our power any longer
We know that together, we are strong.
Like drops of water shape the rocks
As they rush down the falls,
We know that together,
We are strong.
CANDLE 1: LO VCHAYIL: CEASEFIRE
In the Haftarah we read on the first Shabbat of Chanukah we recite the words: lo vchayil, lo vkoach, ki im bruchi. Not by might, not by power, but by spirit alone. We are embracing the rabbinic tradition that reminds us it is by ruachby our spirit that we survive and thrive, not by militarism. Ceasefire means no more bombing of families and homes in Gaza. Ceasefire means all hostages must be released now. Ceasefire means we need immediate engagement by the international community toward a just and lasting peace in Israel/Palestine. Ceasefire is the only way to prevent more death and destruction. In this moment of tremendous fear and suffering, we believe there is no military solution. There is only a political one. May we commit ourselves to a path of life and away from the path of war and ongoing violence.
Not By Might by Debbie Friedman
Not by might
And not by power
But by spirit alone
Shall we all live in peace
The children sing
The children dream
And their tears may fall, but well hear them call
And another song will rise
Another song will rise
Another song will rise!
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Think. Again.
(12,564 posts)...is it appropriate, and would it be welcome, for me, a non-Jew who shares these intentions, to celebrate in spirit with the Jewish community?
Nanjeanne
(5,132 posts)![](https://media1.giphy.com/media/fi9iBFsZXieAg/giphy.gif)
BigmanPigman
(52,128 posts)I just lit blue and white candles and have potato latkas in the freezer. I think it is OK to celebrate holidays from various cultures. Maybe it is partly due to teaching in elementary school when all holidays were discussed and celebrated in my classroom. I am an atheist but I celebrate Christmas with my atheist family.
summer_in_TX
(2,917 posts)Happy Hanukkah to all those here who are Jewish. 🕎
May you and yours be blessed.
May blessings abound to all the nations.
TheKentuckian
(25,381 posts)If wishes were fishes then we would all cast our nets.
Nanjeanne
(5,132 posts)peace in peace on the first night of Chanukah.
Chag sameach..
TheKentuckian
(25,381 posts)but I will say what I believe.
Nanjeanne
(5,132 posts)littlemissmartypants
(23,622 posts)Celerity
(45,480 posts)littlemissmartypants
(23,622 posts)Celerity
(45,480 posts)littlemissmartypants
(23,622 posts)I even tried Yiddish.
Celerity
(45,480 posts)I have heard Moed tov Moadim l'simcha during Sukot and Passover, growing up in west London, and also from some of my parents' Jewish friends/co-workers.
That said, despite my being of partial Jewish descent myself, I am in no way all that knowledgeable. Both my parents and I are atheists, as is one of my brothers.
My sister converted to Sufi Islam (due to her boyfriend, and she surprisingly stayed with it after they parted ways), and my other brother converted to Anglican Christianity as an early teen. Both of them are very tolerant in their religious outlooks, so I have had very little conflicts with them.
My sister is deep into the mysticism aspects of Islam, especially the works of Rumi. All about love, harmony, peace, balance, letting go of ego, etc. She is absolutely shattered by the war.
littlemissmartypants
(23,622 posts)![](/emoticons/hug.gif)
GuppyGal
(1,748 posts)Nanjeanne
(5,132 posts)GuppyGal
(1,748 posts)Nanjeanne
(5,132 posts)littlemissmartypants
(23,622 posts)![](https://media1.giphy.com/media/fi9iBFsZXieAg/giphy.gif)
FHRRK
(759 posts)Get both of my daughters home this Christmas. Hope you get time with your loved ones.
Tree Lady
(11,790 posts)![](/emoticons/candle.gif)