In the darkest time of the year, when the days are short, the weather demands coats and scarves and the trees are bare, a tiny spark can lighten up the night and the soul. Each night we have the chance to dispel the darkness, to think new thoughts, to engage in acts of kindness, to light up another soul. A holocaust survivor lived by the motto he was taught by his father, “giving brings so much more joy than taking”.

Azi lit multiple menorahs each year and even made menorahs out of materials such as legos and tiles. He would light up the room with his smile; his joy of setting up the menorahs was contagious. Playing dreidel was strategic, although he almost always won.

Azi would make a batch of donuts with his mother to bring his class, every day of Chanukah!! He got so much joy from sharing the fresh delicacies.

This week, while the tiny lights are shining, we can each try to light up another soul, with just a simple gesture of kindness, a small act, a micromitzvah.

Happy Chanukah!