by Sheikha Ibtisam Mahameed and Rabba Tamar Elad-Appelbaum

This invocation, written by two mothers, one Muslim and one Jewish, invites us to take their plea for peace into our hearts and into the world. It has been shared widely by Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie and the Lab/Shul community.

Let us Light Candles for Peace

Two mothers, one plea:

Now, more than ever, during these days of so much crying,on the day that is sacred to both our religions, Friday, Sabbath Eve

Let us light a candle in every home – for peace:

A candle to illuminate our future, face to face,

A candle across borders, beyond fear.

From our family homes and houses of worship

Let us light each other up,

Let these candles be a lighthouse to our spirit

Until we all arrive at the sanctuary of peace.

The seventh night of Hanukkah coincides with Rosh Hodesh Tevet. While the new moon and new month has long been associated with women, Tevet is extra special. 

In North Africa, Greece and Turkey, Jewish communities celebrate this special night with Chag HaBanot (Festival of the Daughters). It’s the day Esther was taken to Ahasuerus’s palace in the Purim story and it’s when we honor the heroism of Judith in the story of Hanukkah. On Chag HaBanot, women and girls across generations gather to give gifts, enjoy sweets, sing and to pass inheritances from one generation to the next. 

Here are some ways to celebrate Chag HaBanot with the women in your life.

- As you light the menorah, take a moment to think of the women who have been an influence on your life. Send them light and love.

- Enjoy a festive meal or special treat. 

- Sing and dance. Whether traditional Hanukkah songs or a playlist of your favorite women artists, Chag HaBanot is a time for rejoicing! 

- Connect with your mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, cousins, friends, partners and neighbors. Start with women, then invite people of all genders to celebrate with you. 

Lighting candles transforms ordinary time into sacred time, marking the official start of the Seder.

The Blessing:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו, וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל יוֹם טוֹב.

Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha'olam asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav, v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Yom Tov.

Blessed are You, Adonai our Divine Presence, Ruler of the Universe, who has sanctified us with laws and commanded us to light the festival lights.

As we light the festival candles, we acknowledge that as they brighten our Passover table, good thoughts, good words, and good deeds brighten our days.