First line: Antisemitism is on the rise and we must all do our parts to stop it. Jews and allies need to be courageous, to call it out and to never make excuses for it. Last line: We’ve already learned the bitter lesson that true hate is never little, it is never unimportant, and it should never, ever be ignored…

So here is the thing, half of the Jewish families that we know are headed by a couple where one of them is not Jewish. And we think eureka! That is great! Why isn’t there a blessing for that person who is not Jewish but participating in a Jewish home/life! And… there is! And we love it and hope you do too!

First line: May everyone who shares in a Jewish life feel welcome and integrated. Last line: With all our hearts, we want to thank you for your love and willingness in giving the ultimate gift to the Jewish people. Amen…

Combining candle lighting with these readings and stories will make your Hanukkah celebration even more meaningful. Some of them are specifically Jewish, but most are based on the universal values we all hold in our hearts. Try it this way: read about peace the first night and then add acceptance the second night and so on. By the eighth night, you’ll probably be a little wiser and a whole lot more inspired.

First line: Day 1: PEACE. The first Hanukkah candle of the year sparks a call for peace. Last line: “Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other…”

Some people say that Hanukkah is an ancient celebration of the winter solstice, and that we light candles simply because it gets a little darker each night. Personally, we’re all about the miracle of the oil.

First line: Some historians of religion have taught that Hanukkah is another ancient celebration of the winter solstice. Last line: And as the darkness descends with each progressive night, we light one more candle against the darkness…

Each candle is lit with a world-changing intention in this reading by Rami M. Shapiro, an award-winning writer and speaker on Judaism and spirituality.

First line: We kindle this light in honor of hope. Last line: May we never surrender to tyranny no matter how dear we hold the tyrant…