Wild and Natural Olive Branches

Matthew 5:17-19

Jewish Holidays

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  1. The tradition of building up to lighting eight oil lamps (plus one shamash, or servitor) over the Hanukkah period began in the 2nd century CE.

  2. During Hanukkah, the days of light triumphing over darkness, as the small flames illuminate the night, let us remember the fragrance of paradise that exists within every Jew, no matter who they are.

  3. Over the long centuries, the menorah’s candles have shone into the recesses of our souls, illuminating the darkest times with their radiant message of hope, endurance, and everlasting light.

  4. This year’s menorah lighting, organized by the Lubavitch Youth Organization, is dedicated to the memory of Rabbi Shmuel Butman.

  5. Dating back to ancient times, Hanukkah is not one of Judaism's most important or holiest holidays, but it is one of its most well-known.

  6. See Shabbat times for your area.

  7. See Shabbat times for your area.

  8. We need to seek a middle path between the usual joy of Simchat Torah and the mourning necessitated by the disaster of Simchat Torah 5784 on October 7.

  9. This was the year an entire nation learned to cry – unashamedly and without restraint.

  10. It’s strained, if not seemingly impossible, to embody joy right now. The divine strands of joy around us are so dim as to be nearly invisible.