Eight Nights of Becoming: The Spiritual Practice of Chanukah

Lighting Chanukah candles is both a commemoration of an ancient miracle, and if we let it be, a spiritual practice that helps us be present, grateful and committed to adding light into the world. Through close study of the Talmud’s debate between Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai about how we light the candles, alongside the three blessings of Chanukah, we’ll explore how this Jewish ritual invites us to grow in holiness, pay attention to the moment, and see our lives with renewed appreciation. Together, we’ll consider how the simple act of lighting candles each night can become an opportunity for reflection, spiritual growth, and a deeper encounter with the sacred. . . . Rabbi Elisha Gechter is a Jewish educator, ritual designer, and community builder. She serves as Senior Director of Community Engagement at Harvard Hillel, and is a board member at Mayyim Hayyim. She leads a monthly minyan in Somerville called Spring Hill Minyan and serves as a rabbi with Honeymoon Israel. A longtime teacher of Jewish text and ritual creativity, she is passionate about helping individuals and communities craft meaningful, resonant Jewish practices.