Hannah Senesh was a Special Operations Executive (SOE) paratrooper during WWII. Her role was to rescue Hungarian Jews who were scheduled to be deported to Auschwitz. She became a national heroine in Israel and her poetry is widely known.

Here is one of her poems, one of her last prior to her untimely death:

Blessed is the match consumed in kindling flame.

Blessed is the flame that burns in the secret fastness of the heart.

Blessed is the heart with strength to stop its beating for honor’s sake.

Blessed is the match consumed in kindling flame.

We think this is a sentiment that beautifully captures the essence of Hanukkah.

Anne Frank noted that “…a single candle can both defy and define the darkness.” We can choose to be the light or the mirror that reflects the light. Either way, bringing illumination to the darkness is a common thread in both Jewish and Christian traditions. This year the dates for Hanukkah and Christmas are concurrent, so join us in the celebration!

I lost a dear relative this week. She was someone I admired for her wisdom and sharp wit, her tenacity, and her ability to be a light in the darkness. Many of us are struggling with loss. Perhaps it’s a loved one who won’t be at the celebration this year, maybe there’s a health issue that’s looming, or it might be that the season is reminiscent of memories we’d rather forget. These challenges may be true for a number of our colleagues, members, and friends throughout the community.

This holiday season, let’s purpose to be the light that defies the darkness and let the strength in our own hearts be the kindling for someone else’s flame.

May the joys of this holiday season overcome and illuminate you and those around you! Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!