All nights of Chanukah, some of the lights are lit and some are not yet. This is potentiality. On the last night of Chanukah, all 8 lights are lit. This is actuality. Every night of Chanukah, we added one more light. Moving through the phases of potentiality to actuality. In our physical world, actuality is
Potentiality meeting actuality Read More »
On Shabbos Chanukah, we light both the Shabbos candles and the Chanukah candles. Traditionally, the Shabbos candles are lit by the woman of the house and the Menorah by the man. Kabbalistically, the woman symbolizes the feminine energy of internal focus, and the man represents the external. By lighting the Shabbos candles, the woman brings
This Chanukah, increase the light in your relationships. Read More »
Chanukah Menorah flames. Light. What do you do that brings light to your family? To those around you? What is one thing you can do to further enhance that? Chanukah Menorah flames. Warmth. What do you do that warms your family? To those around you? What is one thing you can do to further enhance
What kind of light do you emit? Read More »
The shamash lights the other candles without diminishing itself. Rather, it is even more lit up when surrounded by the flames it has been part of lighting. The more light we give to others, the more light is reflected back to us. Kindness has a way of boomeranging and coming back at you. Good moods
The more light you give to others, the more light is reflected to you. Read More »
Some have a family tradition of giving gifts to the kids on Chanukah. While that isn’t what Chanukah is all about per se, it does add a level of playfulness and fun. As you contemplate on what you want to give the children this Chanukah, you might also reflect on what Chanukah is about. The
Light is a metaphor for hope. A tiny flame can banish darkness, just as hope can banish despair. While things may seem to be at some level of darkness or difficulty, it takes just a small flame of goodness to bring light to the situation. A kind word. An act of ‘beyond yourself’. A gesture
A flame is like hope; they both dispel darkness. Read More »
“Just” is one of those words that is meant to minimize what you’re saying. Depending on the context it can come across as condescending “Just so you know” or invalidating “It will take just a minute of your time” or unconfident “I was just wondering…”. Find better ways to say what you want to get
What not to say “Just …” Read More »
People often ask questions when they are really making statements. A question is a request for information or clarification. A statement disguised as a question is about the dynamics between the sender and the receiver. -Are you leaving now? May actually mean: I don’t want you to leave now, but I am shy about saying
Convert your questions to statements. Read More »
Words like “no offense”, “this is coming from love, but…” or “not to be mean but…” are often used to preface a statement that the speaker anticipates will make the listener will feel hurt, angry or upset. The truth is, when the listener hears these words, they get ready to hear something offensive. Of course,
What not to say “No offense” Read More »
With just two words, “Well actually”, you sound like a condescending over-explainer. You come across as rude, pretentious, and self-centered. In those words, your listener hears: “I’m right and you’re wrong.” And they will think to themselves: “You think you’re superior and that I’m stupid.” That may not be your intention, but that it generally
What not to say “Well actually” Read More »
