Lighting a Flame in Dark Times

The world feels heavy these days. From the headlines we read, the conversations we overhear, and what we see in the streets – you don’t have to search far to feel it. A few days ago, I was out shopping for my family here in Jamaica when a man suddenly shouted at me, “Stop the killing in Gaza!” The words stopped me in my tracks. I felt a wave of anger and sadness, as this was the first time in my 10 years of being a Rabbi on the Island that I had experienced antisemitism.

The truth is that Israel and its place in the world are under constant threat. For decades, Israel has extended an olive branch for peace to its neighbors, only to receive endless terror attacks in return. Yet, somehow, people forget what this war is really about. They forget that Israel is defending its right to exist and protect its people from those who openly call for its destruction. No country in the world would allow its citizens to be continually attacked by brutal terrorists.

What makes the situation even more heartbreaking is the way Hamas and Hezbollah hide among civilians, using them as human shields, turning homes, schools, and hospitals into targets. While Israel takes every possible measure to avoid harming innocent civilians, it is the terrorists themselves who are the primary source of the destruction befalling their own communities. Yet somehow, the world turns its anger toward Israel.

We have a choice, we can allow the darkness to suffocate us, or we can bring light into the world. We are not helpless, despite our great distance from the events. In Jewish tradition, there is no more powerful way to bring light, both literally and spiritually, than through the simple act of lighting a candle.

Every Friday night as the sun sets, my wife and daughters gather to partake in a thousand-year tradition of lighting Shabbat candles. In this quiet moment, filled with meaning and purpose, the soft glow of the flames warms our home, pushing back the shadows. All anger, fear, and hatred of the outside world feels more distant in these tender moments. We are reminded that even when the world feels dark, there is always light to be kindled.

Lighting Candles in Times of Turmoil

This act of lighting candles is more than just a tradition—it’s an act of defiance against the darkness. As we approach Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, this small flame takes on an even deeper significance. It represents hope for the future, a plea for peace, and a reminder that we, as individuals, have the power to bring light into the world. The flames of the Shabbat and holiday candles carry hope and warmth, even when the world outside feels cold and hostile.

This tradition is especially close to my heart because of grandmother, Mrs. Esther Sternberg, dedicates her life to spreading light through the act of lighting candles. Fifty years ago, she was personally appointed by the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Schneerson, of righteous memory, to lead a campaign encouraging Jewish women and girls to light Shabbat and holiday candles. From the time they begin to speak and are able to do so, young girls, along with their mothers and sisters, should light these candles. My grandmother lives this mission with every fiber of her being. For decades, she has fought endlessly to ensure that Jewish homes around the world would be filled with light, especially in times of darkness. I continue to be inspired by my grandmother’s dedication, unwavering faith, and belief that no matter how dark the world may seem, our light has the power to make a difference.

Why It Matters Now More Than Ever

This year, we will have the special opportunity to light candles three nights in a row—on Rosh Hashanah (Oct 2-3) and Shabbat (Oct 4). The Rebbe emphasized that according to Jewish philosophy, when something is done three times, it becomes a Chazakah—a strong, unshakable force. Lighting candles for three consecutive nights creates a spiritual strength and blessings that will carry us through the new year with hope, peace, and blessings.

Soon after Rosh Hashanah comes Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year, beginning at sunset on Friday, October 11, and the joyous festivals of Sukkot and Simchat Torah, which begins on Wednesday, October 16 and continues through Friday, October 25. During the festival of Sukkot (in diaspora), we will once again light candles three nights in a row—on Weds – Fri October 16-18. The next week, we will light again three times in a row for Simchat Torah (in diaspora) on Weds – Fri October 23-25.

The significance of this cannot be overstated. Three nights in a row, three different times during this holy month, Jewish women and girls will light candles around the world, filling the darkness with light, warmth, and hope. This year, more than ever, our world needs this light.

When Jewish women and girls light candles this Jewish holiday season, they aren’t simply following old, dull traditions. They are making a powerful statement. They are declaring that they will not be silenced, that they will not allow hatred to extinguish their light. With each flame they kindle, they bring warmth, love, and hope into the world.

How and When to Light Candles for Rosh Hashanah:

For those celebrating Rosh Hashanah, here are the guidelines and blessings for how to light these holiday candles as well as the Shabbat candles for October 4th. On Wednesday night October 2, one should light candles before sunset. On Thursday night, October 3, one should light from an existing flame (since new flames cannot be lit on Jewish holidays) after three stars are visible in the sky. On Friday evening, October 4, one should light candles from an existing flame before sunset to welcome Shabbat.

Here are the transliterated blessings recited before lighting the Rosh Hashanah candles.

1. Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech ha-olam, asher kid-sha-nu be-mitz-vo-tav ve-tzi-va-nu le-had-lik ner shel Yom HaZikaron.

• (Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to light the candles of the Day of Remembrance.)

1. Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech ha-olam, she-he-che-ya-nu ve-ki-ye-ma-nu ve-higi-a-nu liz-man ha-zeh.

• (Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season.)

Here are the transliterated blessings recited before lighting the Friday night (Shabbat) candles.

1.  Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech ha-olam, asher kid-sha-nu be-mitz-vo-tav ve-tzi-va-nu le-had-lik ner shel Shabbat kodesh.

• (Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to light the candles of the holy Sabbath.)         For more information about lighting Shabbat candles, click here.