Choosing Light: Hanukkah Kavanah

Rabbi Noam Kornsgold

Find more Hanukkah Candle Lighting Intentions from the RA’s “8 Nights of Kavvanot.”

As we light these Hanukkah candles, we reflect on the power of light and the choices we make each day.

Each night of Hanukkah is a reminder that adding light to the world is not automatic—it is a conscious decision, a sacred responsibility. Like the opinion of Beit Hillel, who taught that we add a new candle each night, we choose to increase the light, to bring more goodness, hope, and joy into the world.

With each new flame, may we strengthen our commitment to spread positivity and illuminate the darkness around us. Let this growing light inspire us to act with intention, to create kindness, and to share warmth with others. May these candles ignite within us a desire to brighten the lives of those we touch. Amen.

Author

Rabbi Noam Kornsgold

Rabbi Noam Kornsgold is the Director of Continuing Rabbinic Education at the Rabbinical Assembly (RA). Additionally, Rabbi Kornsgold is pursuing his PhD at the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies of Yeshiva University, where he researches the development of medieval Jewish law in northern Europe. He received his rabbinic ordination and MA in TalmudReferring to one of two collections, the Jerusalem and Babylonian Talmuds, edited in the 6th century, that contains hundreds of years of commentary, discussion, and exploration of the ideas in the Mishnah. One could describe it as Mishnah + Gemara = Talmud from JTS. He was graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Columbia University (History) and summa cum laude with honors from JTS's List College (Talmud). Rabbi Kornsgold lives in Los Angeles with his wife Rabbi Gavriella Kornsgold and their two children.
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Author

Rabbi Noam Kornsgold

Rabbi Noam Kornsgold is the Director of Continuing Rabbinic Education at the Rabbinical Assembly (RA). Additionally, Rabbi Kornsgold is pursuing his PhD at the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies of Yeshiva University, where he researches the development of medieval Jewish law in northern Europe. He received his rabbinic ordination and MA in Talmud from JTS. He was graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Columbia University (History) and summa cum laude with honors from JTS's List College (Talmud). Rabbi Kornsgold lives in Los Angeles with his wife Rabbi Gavriella Kornsgold and their two children.

Post categories: Hanukkah, Holidays, Observing Hanukkah

Post tags: Blessing, Candle, Candle lighting, Hanukkah, Menorah, Mitzvah

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