My recent posts…

Selling Chametz

Apr 1, 2025

Even if you don’t keep a kosher kitchen, and/or you don’t “convert” your kitchen for Pesach, there is still spiritual value in selling your chametz: You are engaging with myriad Jews worldwide in a practice that can be traced back to Torah and, if you include a donations to “ma’ot chitin,” you are enabling those in need to more fully celebrate Pesach.

Bring in the Light

May 26, 2017

Every Friday morning, Ellie and I “do Shabbat” with our preschoolers. The kids and teachers sit on a rug, we are on little-kid chairs. We have a routine that includes songs, a brief story, a word of Torah and a blessing. And, of course, grape juice and challah.

In the book of Proverbs (22:6), we are advised: Teach a child according to the child’s ability to learn and it will stick (my paraphrase). This text has been interpreted (and translated) in different ways: Teach/train/educate…as the child needs/the proper path for the child…and when the child matures/so that even into old age…the child will hew to that path/will not stray….

I can’t say that singing “Bim Bam” and “Hinei Ma Tov” will set a child on the path of a fulfilling Jewish life, but it sure is worth a try. We also sing parts of prayer (L’cha Dodi) and songs of gratitude (Thank You God), along with fun kid stuff (Dinosaur Shabbat).

One song we sing every week rises to the challenge of the Proverbs verse: “Bring in the Light” by Elana Jagoda (Kaye). Her song has the rare power to touch, teach and encourage.

(chorus)
Bring in the light, bring in the light, bring in the light of Shabbat,
We light the lights of Shabbat. Bring in the light, bring in the light, bring in the light of Shabbat. L’hadlik ner shel Shabbat.
Shabbat shalom: May you have a peaceful day.
Shabbat Shalom: May you have a restful day. (Bring…)
Shabbat shalom: As we watch the candles shine.
Shabbat Shalom: Cover the challah, pour the wine. (Bring…)
Shabbat shalom: Time to take a big deep breath.
Shabbat Shalom: A special day for us to rest. (Bring…)

Children learn the differentiating part of the blessing over lighting candles. The threefold “bring in the light” mirrors the traditional way we embrace the light of Shabbat and the children are encourage to use the arm motion. We wish one another blessing, three major components of making Shabbat are covered, and we are offered an action plan.

All that in a handful of words and a gorgeous melody. (Hear — and buy — the song here.)

The song is also mature enough to appeal to the elder-housing group with whom we regularly do a Friday afternoon Shabbat program.

Take a big, deep breath. It’s Shabbat!