A Blessing before Candle Lighting

adapted from Rabbi Daniel Gropper

Community Synagogue of Rye, New York

After a loved one dies–especially if they were a young person—a rabbi will often suggest, “light a third candle every Friday night.”

Years later, many parents still do.

Tonight, we too light a third candle. To remember and not to forget. So that their memories will be for a blessing.

For fathers, grandfathers, husbands, sons, brothers, brothers-in-law; mothers, grandmothers, wives, daughters, daughters-in-law, sisters; cousins, friends, names we are just learning, names we should always remember.

We light for them.

For children–infants, toddlers, teens—who have not yet tasted the fruits of life.

We light for them.

For soldiers, concert goers,  kibbutznikim. For people waiting for a bus.

We light for them.

For people who just wanted to live their lives in peace, for those who worked and strove for peace.

We light for them.

For those taken hostage. Let us keep it lit until they are reunited with their loved ones. Reunited with life.

We light for them.

For those whose peaceful homes have become a war zone they did not ask for.

We light for them.

There are not enough candles. There is not enough grief, enough anger, enough worry, enough sadness. There are not enough candles. . . .

Let us be the light. Let us be like the sparks released at the dawn of creation. If there are not enough candles, let us then be the light.


haggadah Section: Introduction