"On the 25th of Kislev are the days of Chanukkah, which are eight... these were appointed a Festival with Hallel [prayers of praise] and thanksgiving." -Shabbat 21b, Babylonian Talmud

Chanukkah, the Jewish festival of rededication, also known as the festival of lights, is an eight day festival beginning on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev. Kislev is the ninth month of the Jewish year, occurring in November/December. This year Chanukkah begins on December 4th.

To learn more about the meaning of Chanukkah, the traditions surrounds food, games, and songs go here... http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday7.htm

Thank you, Lady

Happy Chanukkah!

I got the following meditation in an email today and thought I'd share it. Enjoy.


Listen To Light: Meditations for Hanukkah

I remember celebrating Hanukkah as a child huddled around the menorah with my family, eagerly waiting for my presents each night. I can still see my father of blessed memory, shining so brightly, singing Hanukkah songs and delighting in the potato latkes he prepared. As an adult, this memory of my father and Hanukkah's spiritual gifts of faith and hope sustain me through life challenges.

At a time of the year when the days are shortest, Hanukkah comes to help us find the light within the darkness. If we can uncover the spiritual opportunity hidden in life challenges, we will be strengthened and transformed through them. Unlike Biblical holidays that have certain restrictions, the holiday of Hanukkah has none. One simply lights the Hanukkah menorah for eight nights. There is a treasure chest of blessings that has been accumulating for thousands of years that we can draw upon at this time.

Too often people light the Hanukkah candles and then quickly move on to other activities without taking the time to receive its spiritual gifts. This is akin to receiving a beautiful gift from someone who loves you and not saying thank you. One of the problems we have in life is that we do not know how to receive. We shop too much, we eat too much, we are running here and there, constantly busy when we need to take time to simply be, to feel what is occurring within us and be present to what we truly need and want in our lives. There is a hunger within us to be loved unconditionally for who we are and not for what we do. When we try to meet our spiritual needs with material things and various distracting activities we will never be satisfied. Meditative gazing upon the simple sweet light of Hanukkah can fulfill us in the way we have yearned for our entire life.

As you prepare to light menorah candles this year, take a few moments to center yourself with deep breaths. Feel the connection to the hundreds and thousands of Jews who are lighting candles throughout the world at this very time. Try to say the blessings with the consciousness that you are aligning yourself with the Jewish people throughout history and with Divine Will. Assume your place in this ancient lineage of righteous people, prophets, sages, martyrs and ordinary Jews, like us, who have celebrated Hanukkah for thousands of years. If you can, place the menorah by the window to indicate your desire to share this light of miracles with others. When we share spiritual light with others, the light is not diminished but increased. The more light we share with others, the more light flows through us.


Meditative Instructions

Imagine yourself standing in front of the Menorah in the Holy Temple. As you light candles on your own menorah, ignite the space deep within yourself where you are most powerfully and intimately connected with your soul. This is your temple. This holy temple within yourself holds your deepest dreams and holiest visions. Although this may be a little uncomfortable, keep your eyes open and continue to gaze at the lights. The holy light of Hanukkah has the power to purify and to transform. Take note of the various colors of light within the flame.

Be gentle with yourself, allowing space for any discomfort without running away. Simply be with the light as much as possible. If your mind begins to wander too much and you find yourself filled with extraneous thoughts, simply take note of this and bring your focus back to the breath and the gazing. Imagine that you can cast into the light anything you want to get rid of. Exhale your negative thoughts into the light. Cast your fear, your guilt, your regrets and your insecurities into the flame. The more you are able to let go, the brighter the light will be. You can close your eyes if you need to do so, but continue to meditate, allowing the light to be experienced within you.

Now, as your eyes are closed, imagine that you are a Hanukkah candle and the light of Hanukkah burns within you. Your body is the candle and your soul is the flame. As you identify with this candle, becoming this candle, experience yourself as a being of great light. Visualize the light of your soul radiating and shining brightly in this world. While the candles are burning, alternate between keeping your eyes open and closed. Gaze directly at the light.

After gazing for ten minutes or more, you will find yourself in a heightened spiritual state and you will be able to listen deep inside to your own soul. The candles are symbolic of the soul. Each night the light offers a high frequency vibration. If you want, you can even ask a specific question or simply ask for guidance. Then, listen to the light. It is helpful to have your journal or a piece of paper and write on the top of the page in the name of God or the light of Hanukkah. "This is what I have to say to you..." When you are ready, write in stream of consciousness the words reflecting your present thoughts and feelings. Simply write from the heart without judging or evaluating. This is just for you. You will be amazed at the wisdom that pours out of your own soul. Done with intention and prayer, you will receive answers to your questions.

The light of Hanukah radiates hope, faith and unconditional love, reminding us to dream again, and that our dreams are beautiful and important. Even though we may not have lived our lives authentically nor fully and we may have even harmed others, the light of Hanukkah reminds us of who we really are and who we can be. We can be free, we can be holy, and we need not be limited by our fears. We can live our lives with greater integrity, love and beauty. Meditating on each night of Hanukkah will help you transform your life in ways you have always hoped.

On an even deeper mystical level, gazing at the lights of Hanukkah provides a glimpse into the eternal light of God, the hidden light, the holy light, the light before creation. This light of God has burned forever and will burn eternally. When we get a glimpse of this holy light, we know that the Jewish people are eternal. Even though we Jews as individuals and as a people have faced and will face many challenges in life, the light of Hanukkah reminds us that God is with us. And now more than ever, this is a great comfort.



Melinda (Mindy) Ribner, L.C.S.W. is a spiritual psychotherapist and healer in private practice. ( www.kabbalahoftheheart.com). She is a teacher of Jewish meditation and Kabbalah for over 20 years. Author of Kabbalah Month by Month, New Age Judaism, and Everyday Kabbalah, she is also the Founder and Director of Beit Miriam (www.Beitmiriam.org). She travels throughout the United States and Israel sharing the joy of meditation and Kabbalah.

Lady...that was lovely. Thanks for sharing.

First candle tonight at sunset. Got my candles and menorah out. Ready to go.

Happy Chanukah to all.

M

Happy Chanukah to everyone
May all have a safe Holiday season



I'm disappointed that Chanukah and Christmas don't fall together this year. I think it's more beautiful when those two holidays are celebrated together -- but that's just me.

Happy 2nd candle everyone!

I agree with you, Twitch. It is really nice to celebrate my holiday with my friends that celebrate Christmas. Would have been especially sweet this year since my new beau celebrates Christmas to do both holidays together.

Yet, it happens every few years. Pesky lunar calendar!

M

Happy Chanukah

Thank you for sharing the meditation Ladyvalkrie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk7tnBQhGDU

great video!