Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum writes, “We must find the courage to light that one light, and then the next and the others and we must resolve to neither give up nor give in.”

Rabbi Ariel Stone writes, “The opposite of despair, it is said, is not hope, but commitment. May the practice of lighting a candle against the darkness every day strengthen our commitment to seek the light in our place."

Rabbi Dr. William Plevan shares, “Our task now is to find those sources of light in the people who raise their voices and do the work, and remember that their light can overcome the most formidable obstacles.”

Maharat Rori Picker reflects, “We honor the diverse voices working toward peace in the region, standing tall in their confidence and fullness as they unite in shared strength and the pursuit of justice.”

“Let us gather around the fifth candle tonight and reflect on the courage it takes to stand up to oppressive forces. To empire. To those who seek to make you small. Or to disappear,” shares Rabbi Yohanna Kinberg.

“The Maccabees showed that our perseverance, even in the face of the most daunting obstacles, is always the key to our liberation,” reflects Rabbi Ken Chasen.

“We light again because we won’t stop loving Israel into security and peace, which means lifting the neighboring Palestinians into a peace worth the risk,” writes Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson.

Rabbi Andrea London reflects, "May the glow of tonight’s fully lit chanukiah compel us to work together to increase holiness by illuminating our world with the light of justice."