In the span of life there are times when we experience great joy and optimism. We are surrounded by friends and a healthy support network, successful in our relationships, and satisfied with our personal and professional progress. During these times, we find ourselves coasting along with nary a worry or concern.

But what of those times when we are beset by doubt and insecurity? When friendships dry out, and professionally we are stagnating. How do we pull ourselves together when we fall into a funk at home and at work, encountering failure and unhappiness, perhaps even rejection and abandonment? Where do we find light, when we feel as though our own light has been snuffed out, and we are left groping in the darkness?

This isn’t a new question. It has been asked since the dawn of time. Some say that in these moments of weakness we must seek our strength in G-d, others suggest we create it within ourselves, and yet others say the answers are to be found in the universe or nature.

Judaism has a unique and novel approach. The Torah teaches that our light need not be kindled from an outside source, it is already burning within. And so long as man lives it is never extinguished. We call this eternal and inimitable spark the soul.

King Solomon wrote “The light of G-d is the soul of man”. When you seek strength in times of weakness, do not look for G-d outside of yourself. Look for G-d within, because that is where He is, and will always be found. Your soul always shines, it always burns. It continues to radiate even when it isn’t visible.

This is the message of Chanukah. When the writing on the wall seems to tell you that you have failed, and that you may as well resign yourself to the ensuing despondency, reject the script. Your adversary may be “mightier than you, more numerous, and better trained”, but that is not a guaranty of their victory. Know that the wellspring of resilience and the bottomless reserve of spirit that is at the core of your being, can push you passed the finish line. You have G-d’s light within. That is what brought victory to the Maccabees of old. And it will do the same for us in our days.

Community Chanukah Events

ANNUAL BOWLING PARTY & CHOCOLATE GELT DROP

-- Chanukah Bowling

-- Special Menorah Lighting

-- Chocolate gelt drop FROM THE BUCKET OF A STERLING FIRE STATION LADDER & ENGINE

-- Chanukah treats, Grand raffle and more!

Date: Sunday, Dec. 2, 4--6 p.m. - Grand Gelt Drop

Location: Bowl America. 46940 Woodson Dr. Sterling VA 20164

LATKE & MOVIE NIGHT

Join us for a great night of Chanukah enjoyment. In the warm glow of the Menorah, enjoy a full Latke bar adorned with tasty toppings, and watch the screening of a great film "Above & Beyond" produced by Nancy Spielberg. A tale of heart, heroism, and high flying Chutzpa.

Date: Thursday Dec. 6, 7 p.m.

Fee: Gratis

CHANUKAH ON ICE & OUTDOOR MENORAH LIGHTING.

Join us and enjoy, ice-skating to lively Chanukah music with family and friends. Grand Menorah lighting with special guest Menorah lighters.. Hot latkes and donuts.

Dreidels and Chocolate Gelt for all. Grand Raffle and more.

At the Reston Town Center Ice Skating Rink.

11900 Market Street, Reston , VA 20190

Sunday Dec. 9th 4:30-6 p.m.

Admission: FREE. $12 skating fee.

Visit www.chabadrh.org for information on all our events or to reserve.

For more information on the above events, call Rabbi Leibel Fajnland at 703-476-1829 , visit www.chabadrh.org , or write to Rabbi@chabadrh.org.