By Rabbi Warren Stone

Source of Creation and Life of the Universe We gather together on Chanukah

As Jews of conscience
with a deep spiritual bond to the lights of freedom.

We are grateful for the inner might of the Maccabees Who fought to reclaim a Jerusalem in despair

And rekindle the lights of human freedom.

Freedom has many faces:
Freedom from war and conflict or threats of terror Freedom to have a secure home
Freedom from hunger, poverty and despair.

Freedom is deeply personal as well:
Freedom to express one’s gender identity without fear Freedom to express one’s racial identity without fear Freedom to make choices about of life and deepest beliefs Freedom to live our faith in all of its beauty

without negating anyone else’s.

Our Chanukah menorah with its eight branches and Kindling light

Remind us of the diversity on our Earth
Bound together with a branch of Oneness.
It is a reminder that we are interconnected as a Global Community.

We are diverse yet equal in our world: Jewish, Christian, Moslem, Hindi, Buddhist, Sikh, and Humanist.

At times of deep darkness instead of walking in fear Let us kindle Godly lights
Lights within and lights beyond
And let us increase these lights each day