This reflection was originally written for our religious school newsletter on November 13, 2025, by Chaya Silver, Youth and Education Director. We’re sharing it here so our community and visitors can learn from this lesson at any time of year.

“Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness.”—Anne Frank

When the Clocks Change, So Does Our Rhythm

When Daylight Saving Time ends in November, it always throws me for a loop. For the first week or so, I feel tired and out of sorts—and the kids in my house do too. The early darkness takes some getting used to, and by late afternoon it can already feel like the day is over.

Shabbat begins especially early this time of year. Were we to follow traditional candle-lighting times strictly, no one in our household would be home from work in time for a Friday night family dinner. (This Friday, Shabbat begins at 4:26 p.m.!)

Since our move to Denver, we have made it a priority to be home together on Friday nights. Shabbat dinner has become a cherished weekly anchor.

The Glow That Fills The House

Our Friday evenings are filled with familiar rituals: singing favorite tot Shabbat songs, blessing the children, lighting candles, blessing the wine, and saying motzi. Over the past few weeks, we’ve taken particular pleasure in lighting the candles.

We are usually finished with our meal before the candles have burned down, and the warm glow slowly expands, filling the entire house. That gentle light does more than push back the early darkness—it softens the mood, lifts our spirits, and makes the evening feel sacred and set apart.

Why Candlelight Matters

The tradition of lighting Shabbat candles—of intentionally bringing light into the world—feels especially sweet and comforting when night arrives so early. Candlelight reminds us that even in times of darkness, warmth and holiness are within reach.

If it has been a while since you last lit Shabbat candles, consider treating yourself this Friday night. Bring a little light into your home and into the world. And if you don’t remember the blessing, don’t worry. The act itself is transformative.

Lighting candles is a quiet but powerful reminder of our responsibility to share our spiritual light with others. It also makes the time change just a little more bearable.

Here’s to Bringing in the Light

As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, may we remember that even a single candle can make a difference.

Here’s to bringing in the light!