Step Into a Season of Remembrance // Join us for ReCollect on 12/17

I’m doing something non-traditional before Hanukkah (go figure, I’m a Lab/Shul co-founder!). I’m going to light the Shamash – the Hanukkah candle that ignites all the others a week early.

I’ll explain:

The darkest point of the calendar year—the winter solstice on Dec 21 this year—offers many rituals that add more light to our lives, day by day. Hanukkah, in particular, offers a special kind of illumination. The Hanukkah candles are unique; they burn quickly, their light fleeting and delicate – and our task is just to enjoy their temporal glow and beauty. This is unlike longer-lasting candles like Shabbat candles, a Yahrzeit memorial candle (24 hours), or a shiva candle (7 days). Hanukkah candles wake us up to beauty and memory in the moment and then are gone.

As we near Hanukkah, memories may arise of loved ones who once sat beside us, lighting their own candles, filling the room with warmth and presence. This pre-solstice time reminds us of the retraction of light – including the light that our lost loved ones emanated during their time on earth.

So I’m doing something different this year – I want to light a candle in preparation for Hanukkah – and not just any old candle – but the Shamash – the igniter candle – to honor and reflect on people I’ve lost, but who lit me up in their lifetimes. Hanukkah means dedicate – I want to dedicate a night to the Shamashim – to those who ignited me.

Is there someone who lit you up: who was a light in your life, during holidays or any day.

If the answer is yes, then please do join us for ReCollect/Yizkor: our seasonal Kaddish Gathering. Together – in a private NYC home – we’ll share a delicious potluck meal, memories, and the comfort of community as we step into a season of remembrance. We’ll bring the latkes, and we invite you to bring your favorite dish—and your stories.

Together, we’ll let our loved ones’ light shine.