What is Your Chanukah?

by Nina Fondiller Woldin

We light the first Chanukah candle on Sunday evening, December 18, so last week I found myself thinking about Chanukah – which translates as dedication – the rededication of the Temple after reclaiming it from our enemies. I was lucky to lead two Chai Mitzvah groups where we spoke about dedication from several angles, and I was fortunate to hear the words of several wise people! I’d like to share those words with you.

I was fortunate to hear the words of several wise people!
I’d like to share those words with you.

In our Marking Milestones group, a virtual group for people aged 70 to 83, we talked about expressing dedication through volunteer work. One group member reads to underprivileged preschoolers every week and distributes books for them to take home through a local organization. A couple that attends the group delivers meals to homeless veterans in the woods near their home. As the Marking Milestones group members shared their tikkun olam work, it was clear that the Power of Passion (POP) aspect of the Chai Mitzvah experience is very strong. One person commented that doing good is good for you, a fact that is supported by science! 

Later, I shared text-based conversation with Chai Mitzvah Chaverot, a friendship group that has been meeting for multiple years. We got into a discussion sparked by the tradition of Chanukat HaBayit, hanging a mezuzah to dedicate a new home. One question I asked was, “To what values do you dedicate your home?” At first I actually had trouble answering my own question. When my children were young, I dedicated my home to raising them to be responsible people, respecting themselves, others, and nature – but I had no answer to the question now that they are grown. Then I heard from the wise women of Chai Mitzvah Chaverot who said that their homes were dedicated to being a place of emotional and physical safety, and a place of hospitality. It’s interesting that the Chaverot have described our meetings the same way – a place where we can say whatever we think, and everyone is welcome. I wonder why I didn’t think of it… but I am going to remember their words in relation to my home going forward! 

What is your Chanukah? Please share below.

What is your Chai Mitzvah group discussing? What are your POP projects? Please send to nina@chaimitzvah.org and be included in the next Monday Moments blog!

Chag Sameach, Happy Chanukah!