A candle in every corner of the world
July 3rd, 2007Has anyone wondered how it must feel to light the Shabbat candles from different places in the world? Does G-d feel as close from Brazil, France or Morocco? How about South Africa or Israel?
I find it fascinating to realize that no matter where we are in the world, there are people like us, who share the same beliefs and have the same faith. We may look different and have different traditions, we all share the same history and belong to the same people. Our history of Diaspora makes it even more important that we feel close to one another. We must take interest in our respective cultures, this is the only way we can understand each other.
As you’re reading this, ask yourself if you’ve ever lit the Shabbat candles either in a different country, or following traditions that seemed unusual to you. Then take a moment and type it up. We’ll all benefit from it. Thank you and have a great 4th of July!
I was just in Athens, Greece. I truly enjoyed Shabbat dinner at the home of the Chabad Rabbi. It was an amazing experience to be in Greece, a country where it is really is amazing that Yiddishkeit is being rekindled. I looked at the candles and with all my heart thanked Hashem for bringing me to that place and moment.