“Chanukah — the Festival of Light — tells the story of the revolt led by a small band of Jews, the Maccabees, to free themselves from their Greek rulers. Against all odds, the Jews defeated the Greeks and were able to reclaim their land and holy temple. Today, we light candles to commemorate the Chanukah miracle of how a tiny supply of oil burned bright and lit up the Holy Temple for eight days. But Chanukah is also a holiday in which we, like the ancient Jews sanctifying the temple, rededicate ourselves to living by our values.

“Each year, the Chanukah story reminds us that there is light, even in the darkest of times.
Our tradition beckons us to act in the face of the challenges before us: To have courage in the face of fear, to have hope
in the face of anguish, to believe that good can triumph. Our world has faced innumerable obstacles this year—but just
as our ancestors did, together we can seek out the light in our world.

As you light each candle this Chanukah, we invite you to say…
I spark CHANGE by kindling these candles, and letting them inspire me to change our world.
I spark JOY by savoring this tradition—an opportunity to celebrate courage and survival.
I spark DIGNITY by working to uphold the inherent worth of every human being.
I spark GENEROSITY by giving to others, from my family and friends to people in need around the globe.
I spark COMMUNITY by deepening my relationships—and expanding my circles to build kinship with people whose
lives and views are different from my own.
I spark ACTION by raising my voice to fight the injustices all around us.
I spark JUSTICE by rededicating myself to tikkun olam—working to repair what’s broken.
I spark HOPE—by persevering in my belief that a better world is possible.”

To learn more about the American Jewish World Service click on their link.