In the well-known biblical story of the world’s creation, God created light on the first day. Our Sages ask: What was this light? The sun was not created until the fourth day—so exactly what light existed from day one to day four? This, they say, is the Or HaGanuz – hidden light – which shone for 36 hours before God hid it away. The Hassidic master the Sefat Emet teaches that the light of Hanukkah, which shines from the 36 candles we light over the course of the holiday (excluding the 8 extra of the shammash), is this Or HaGanuz, breaking free from its hiding places, reminding us that it has not disappeared. On Hanukkah, in the darkest moments of the year, we can connect with this mystical, primordial light—a light of ultimate healing and blessing, brighter than the sun itself.
For the next eight days, you’ll receive Hanukkah kavannot written by BJ members who have experienced a special light by being part of this community. Some have given light to others as volunteers, some have received light by finding a Jewish home here—and all have felt their souls ignited in ways that had previously been hidden.
As you read these reflections, we hope you will be inspired to find your own way to access more light, and bring it out into our world.
One week after the attack at Bondi Beach, our hanukkiyot glow with their fullest light. Writing from afar, the author reflects on fear, distance, and ...
One small gesture—a kind word and a saved seat—sparked a lasting sense of connection for this BJ member. Now, as part of the New Member ...
After time away, one couple returns to BJ and finds new ways to reconnect through small groups and warm Friday night greetings. In this heartfelt ...
As the Hanukkah lights push back the darkness, three BJ members reflect on the quiet courage of migrant families—and the powerful light of Thursday night ...
For Gideon Frankel and his family, joining BJ meant finding a spiritual home that honors both cultural and traditional Jewish roots. In this heartfelt reflection, ...
For nearly 40 years, Carol Gelles has helped BJ feel like home—showing up wherever she’s needed, from committees to leadership. Today, she’s a High Holy ...
A longtime synagogue volunteer in Little Rock, Arkansas, Carmen found a “balm for the soul” in BJ and sought a way to give back from ...
From a “Hanukkah dinner” conjured out of an empty fridge to a child mesmerized by a light switch, this piece traces one family’s relationship with ...
