Solstice, New Moon, 8th night? Let's blast the Light

Tonight, We Blast Light

Tonight we stand at a rare and holy convergence:

the final night of Hanukkah,

Rosh Chodesh Tevet,

and the winter solstice-the longest night of the year.

Our windows glow with menorahs. Flames lean toward the glass, insisting on being seen. Not hidden. Not cautious. Light made public.

There is an ancient teaching that when Adam first noticed the days growing shorter, he feared the world was ending. He fasted and repented for eight days. When the light began to return, he said: this is the order of the world. Darkness comes-but it is not the end. The light returns.

Hanukkah teaches us to add light each night, even when the world feels fragile, even when grief and fear press close. The solstice teaches us that this night is the turning point, even if we cannot yet feel the warmth. And Rosh Chodesh teaches us that renewal begins in darkness, in a sliver, in what is not yet fully formed.

This Rosh Chodesh is carried by women’s wisdom. The moon has always been ours-cyclical, fierce, resilient. In a moment when compassion is dismissed as weakness and justice work demands stamina beyond measure, we affirm: activism requires deep compassion, and compassion is power.

Tonight, we blast light.

For ourselves.

For each other.

For a world that is still here—and still becoming.

Chodesh tov.

Chanukah sameach.

May the returning light strengthen us for the work ahead.