Afshine Emrani A story. Many, many years ago, there was a debate as to which direction to light the candles, from 8 to 1 or 1 to 8. Our tradition is filled with lighting candles, for Shabbat, for Yom Tov, but we never blow out candles. Not in Judaism. Even as there are those who wish to extinguish our light, we are the people who are meant to be a light onto the nations. So, we start with one, and gradually augment the light, never diminish it. May we see a day that all of us turn to one another with one heart and all of us become a source of light in this world. May those who are a source of light go from strength to strength. Amen.

I love to keep learning about the details of Chanukah and how we celebrate that one can of oil lasted for eight days, but it’s much more than that.  Above is a beautiful video that talks about two different kinds of approaches to Judaism and other things in life. Some people are more spiritual while others are religious and it is important to them to follow the laws of the Torah.  The video explains the goal is to have both. If you just follow the laws, but there is no spark,  it is like the oil without the wick. Also the wick can be inspirational and passionate, but will burn out without a foundation.

On Sunday we witnessed a Holocaust survivor lighting a public menorah and leading everyone in prayer and song, picture below. I am so proud my children got to see with their own eyes how Jewish people keep shining bright, our light will never be distinguished.

Am Yisroel Chai!

Chag Chanukah Sameach,

Coach Yulia

JOSHUA KAUFMAN, A HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR LEADING THE CROWD IN PRAYER AND SONG AT A PUBLIC MENORAH LIGHTING, AM YISROEL CHAI, CHAG CHANUKAH SAMEACH!