The gentle flicker of the menorah echoes in the flame of our souls

Rising to find their place

- Our place - as children of the Most High

Each new night we are born

Breathed into being by the G-d of promise

Who speaks through the courageous hero’s call in the written lessons of our faith

Spoken poems of promise

Sung rhymes of reason

All composing our prayers with childlike awe

Believing tonight and embracing tomorrow

That in each step and every breath the Promised Guide of Heaven dispels the darkness

Opening wide our minds

Filling eager eyes

Warming burning hearts

As we rededicate our temple of faith

Together with those who believed before we the Jewish people once more enter hallowed gates

Where generation-to-generation we rekindle the Hanukkah flame

Pausing this Festival of Lights

These eight nights of miracle

Searching not only for what has already come but for the steps we have still to journey

Traversing as did our ancestors in truth ever-onward

Praying

Knowing

The oil of purpose burns in the glow of miracles

Assuring us the menorah shall always shine

Praise be to the Heavenly One

Who spins the world into joyous adventure like a child’s new dreidel

As our ancient prayers continue to light the night with our soul’s brightly-burning song

Rabbi Tad Berga