It’s the night of Hanukkah season when the candles are ALMOST all lit. We are almost there, almost there. Almost at the culmination, the arrival at the/a miracle itself! How does it feel when you can see the destination right there, within reach? What does that feel like?
It might feel, it could feel like an invitation to play! To let playfulness lead and to have some fun. What does play feel like for you + your family? Does it feel uncomfortable? Does it feel familiar? Does it feel unobtainable, elusive, exhausting, old hat, like another thing on your list, like something you dream of?
On this night I invite you to led your best Care Bear Stare shine, roar if you want to, sing loudly with wild abandon, let things get messy, turn the music up, and PLAY TOGETHER! Maybe sing off key while lighting the candles (on purpose), wear a wig, or wear goggles! Get into it and have some fun. The light of this season is at hand, here we are, so let it go and PLAY!
Tonight as we prepare to close out Hanukkah tomorrow night for this season, my heart is wildly full. I am loved. I am Jewish and proud to be so. I am ready for what comes next.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה, יְיָ
אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ, מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם,
אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָֽׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֺתָיו
וְצִוָּֽנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל חֲנֻכָּה.
Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tsivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah.
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, who hallows us with mitzvot, commanding us to kindle the Hanukkah lights.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה, יְיָ
אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ, מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם,
שֶׁעָשָׂה נִסִּים לַאֲבוֹתֵֽינוּ וְאִמּוֹתֵֽינוּ
בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם בַּזְּמַן הַזֶּה.
Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, she-asah nisim laavoteinu v’imoteinu bayamim hahaeim baz’man hazeh.
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, who performed wonderous deeds for our ancestors in days of old at this season.