Lighting the candles for Hanukkah,
For remembrance,
For joy,
For connection, warmth, and pride.
The coldest, darkest, time of year.
The earth tilted away from the sun,
We tilt inward.
We choose to pause,
make space
for ritual,
and miracle.
We mark time in
Flickering,
Growing,
Flames.
Our community ablaze
with love,
hope,
and meaning.
We hold each other
in a circle of light
that exceeds
physical boundaries.
Our Tribe is generous,
and welcoming.
Our Tribe is curious hands,
and shining eyes.
Hanukkah-
Our souls become focused
and spark.
a beacon of joy-
in our collective window.
About the author: Meleia is an avid Gather Groupie and 10 year resident of DC. Gather has helped Meleia find her people, find her place, and find her path to her own meaningful Jewish identity and community. She lives with her amazing husband Alex, and their 29 houseplants in Kalorama Triangle. She is self proclaimed “pathological optimist” who loves yoga, bird watching, and travel.
The views and opinions expressed in this blog and on this website are solely those of the original authors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the organization GatherDC, the GatherDC staff, the GatherDC board, and/or any/all contributors to this site.
