The Light of A Jewish Birthday

by Dorit Sasson | More from this Blogger

21 Jun 2008 06:49 AM

Yesterday I attended a Jewish birthday event for a friend who organizes monthly women's events all throughout the year. She was the first real person I had gotten to know during my first few weeks in Pittsburgh. Literally for me, she was the light as I got to know other women of the Jewish community, learn a few insights on Judasim and kabbalah and participate in a little activity.

In a circle, she told us how each one of us represented the light for her - our own little "neshama" or, soul. Each one of us represents the light for ourselves and others - we should need to know. As we light the candles, think of what a light can represent for you. Here are some thoughts:

1. Like a person, a candle can be a guiding light. 2. Like a candle, a person has many layers of light. 3. With our own light, we can provide help and support for others by passing on the light as we perform other mitzvahs. 4. As we bring light, we become stronger to deal with life. The light of the candle is G-d's light teaching us to be responsible, unique and to let go of our prejudices. We can learn teachings from the Torah and share our struggles and collaborate. 5. The light of a candle is beautiful.

Beresheet or the book of creation begins with "And G-d creted light and it was good." We know that in the beginning each person had his/her own light but there was too much light in the universe which could not be contained so each person contained his/her own light. A hassid is a lamplighter and goes beyond the law. Sometimes this is not always easy to go beyond one's comfort level.

Learn more about Dorit Sasson

Hi ! I'm your Jewish mama trying to combine a Jewish life with freelance writing particularly for the educational markets.

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