It's Rosh Chodesh Teves???🤨

It's Rosh Chodesh Teves?

What in the world does Teves have to do with us in the middle of our Chanukah parties, Chanukah mess, Chanukah lights and Chanukah songs?

A lot.

Chanukah is for singing songs of gratitude and joy for the miracles that we merited. It is a time of deep light, both on a surface level and on a deep intimate level. It is a time to celebrate the glow of the blessings of our life.

And what about when it's dark?

What about when there is no Chanukah parties and you're sitting all alone? What about when you have a party and it brings up so much sadness and grief? What about when the menorah is being lit in a place you never wanted to be? 

When we choke with tears as we try to get the praise out?

Right in the middle of Chanukah, there comes a Rosh Chodesh Teves. A month of darkness, of siege, of suffering. Right in the middle of the party, the curtain closes and we're given permission to remember - there are times of bright lights and times of suffocating darkness - and they're all times to search for the lights within.

Take the messages from Chanukah, the inspiration that anyone can find no matter what is going on in your life - and carry it with you into the darkness that follows.

Treasure any lights that you can draw into your heart, try to stoke the fire, no matter how weak it seems, internalize its glow into your heart, and it will help you endure any dark day that may come your way.

Let's Write!(Note: Do not read the instructions in advance. Just read each step as you go along.)

1. Choose five messages of encouragement that you have learnt over Chanukah. It might take times to think, but give it time. Messages about yourself, about Hashem, about your life or those in your life.

2. Choose five struggles that might come up for you during this month that follows. It doesn't have to be big struggles, whatever comes up. Just write them down in a few words.

3. Play a matching game. Which words of encouragement can help you for which challenge?

4. Read it all over and write a reflection.