By Rabbi Sara Paasche-Orlow, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, MA
Adonai,
You are with me in the gentle flickering light of the Hannukah candles. I close my eyes and feel the presence of my grandparents, my great aunts and uncles, those no longer in this world, my parents, family and friends far and near. I open my eyes and I am alone, even with people around me, I feel my oneness in the world. For a moment I am outside looking up at a light in the window, reaching toward the warm glow and not knowing how to return. And then I am carried back inside the light by the many voices singing blessings, voices raised in song, Jewish voices across the country, around the world, held together by community, and holding me as I add my voice, and we praise Your name.