It has been one of most traumatic weeks in the history of our country. Celebrating and singing Hanukkah songs seems somewhat of a farce when ICUs are nearly full; mental health clinics overrun from those suffering with anxiety and suicidal ideation. This is the first time in which embracing the light has been difficult and even, misleading.
On the first night of Hanukkah, I found myself staring at the Hanukkiah. Instead of relishing in the idea that one light dispels the darkness, I found myself savoring the shadows. One small candle accompanied by seven empty, hollow spaces. Dark, cavernous, vacant spots. Even on the Hanukkiah, there is a symbolic acknowledgement that light does not always rid someone of the bitterness they hold. Rather, we live with both. Hold space for both. Honor both. The existence of hope and hunger living side by side.
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