The Rambam had something to say about priorities. (The Rambam is the same dude who goes by the challenging name of Maimonides.)  Maimonides was a 12th century Jewish philosopher and physician who wrote, among many other things, The Guide for the Perplexed. And who isn’t?

So what did he have to say?  If you must choose between spending money on Kiddush wine and lights for Hanukkia, the latter wins.  Those tender, tiny flames are important to our celebration.

They remind us of our own fragility of course.  They remind us of the fragility of all things.

May you all experience the sweetness of Shabbat joined by the tenderness of Hanukkah; may their be rest, light, and comfort.

Hag sameach!

Rabbi Barbara

P.S. Hanukah candles should be lit before the Shabbat candle-lighting time so that we are not working, as it were, after Shabbat begins….  🙂