Chanukah, also called Chag Urim, the Festival of Lights, occurs as the days are getting shorter and darkness grows through the winter.  Growing darkness can be frightening, and the candles represent the stability of knowledge, spirituality and our ability to help light the way for each other.  As we enjoy the candles each night, let’s remember that Chanukah also speaks of Jewish heroes.  Sitting together lighting the candles is a wonderful opportunity to share our stories of family heroes, and the people who have guided us in our lives.  The symbols of the candles are invitations for us to remember that those who inspire us and bring light to our lives can be honoured by sharing their stories, just as we have learned to speak of the Maccabees.