During Sukkot, the last of our harvest celebrations, we begin to pray for rain.  Until Pesach, our Amidah prayers will continue to ask for rain.  Why?

Because there are no great sources of water in Israel, harvests depended on the rainfall.  Drought was an ever-present threat to our ancestors.  Water remains at a premium in the region.

Hanukkah is, in turn, focuses on the light.  Light sustains us, light nourishes us.  Spiritually, psychically, emotionally, we crave the light that surrounds us in moments of wisdom, awareness, and strength.

As the candles increase in number, as flames flickering side by side, you might want to ask yourself: What is the kind of light I long for in the days to come?

Hag sameach!

Rabbi Barbara