J Street’s Hanukkah Kavanot

As we celebrate the festival of lights, we at J Street have gathered a kavanah (reading) for each night and paired them with actions you can take to help increase the light and goodness of the season.

Night 1:
Symbols of Hanukkah

Rabbi John L. Rosove explores the symbols surrounding the festival of lights and what the holiday itself symbolizes to different people.
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Night 2:
Miracles

J Street U students ask, "how can we all be miracle makers?"
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Night 3:
Light

Rabbi Amy Eilberg explores the power of light at the darkest time of year.
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Night 4:
Gifting

Sara Blumenthal asks us to reflect on the gifts that we have been blessed to receive.
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Night 5:
Heroics

Jessica Jacobs reminds us that no heroes are perfect.
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Night 6:
Dedication

Rabbi David Teutsch implores us to let our dedication reflect our deepest values and highest selves.
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Night 7:
The Power of Women

Cantor Evan Kent lifts up the women in the story of Hanukkah.
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Night 8:
Machloket L'shem Shamayim

Rabbi David Jaffe makes machloket l'shem shamayim - an argument for the sake of heaven.
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J Street Unfolding Action Dreidel

Wondering what actions you can take to further justice and enhance the light this season? We are delighted to share with you our J Street Unfolding Action Dreidel.

Here's how it works. Cut out the dreidel square and follow the folding instructions. Spin a dreidel to pick your letter (or just choose one). Open the first fold to reveal a group discussion question. After discussing or reflecting on the question, unfold again to reveal an action you can take right away.

Download the Unfolding Action Dreidel and folding instructions