Healing center offers 8 tips for Chanukah

Mindful that the festival of Chanukah begins Sunday amid crises here and in Israel, the Bay Area Jewish Healing Center has released a special guide to bring Jews comfort during the holiday.

The guide, sent out to more than 2,600 homes throughout the country, contains eight separate suggestions for creating a deeper, more meaningful celebration, each corresponding with the eight nights of Chanukah.

Each suggestion contains educational information about Chanukah and a reflection exercise to be done with loved ones or friends of all ages. The hope is that the suggestions will give voice to spiritual issues experienced during the holidays, thereby bringing a healing effect.

"Healing is a journey towards fullness and completeness," explained Rabbi Eric Weiss, BAJHC executive director. "At the core of healing is an understanding of one's spiritual and religious life."

For a complete guide contact the BAJHC at (415) 750-4197.

The following are summaries of the suggestions provided in the guide:

*First night: Each side of the dreidel contains a Hebrew letter symbolizing the phrase, "A great miracle happened there." Reflect on the miracle you hope for this Chanukah season.

*Second night: The scents wafting from the kitchen into the rest of the house, like latkes on Chanukah, are part of what makes a house a Jewish home. Share tonight your favorite food memories.

*Third night: Even though it's just one more candle on the menorah, there is a sense tonight that the community of light is growing. What are the ways that you bring or would like to bring the light of your presence into the community?

*Fourth night: The number 4 has many references in Jewish life, from the four seasons of the year on the Jewish calendar to the four questions at Passover. Tonight pick one of the ways in which the number 4 functions in our lives and use it to reflect. For example, what are four important questions you might ask yourself, God or the community?

*Fifth night: Our first home in this world was the womb. What do you hope will nourish you as you continue to develop more fully into your God-created self?

*Sixth night: In Jewish life a holiday is from sunset to sunset, and the new day actually begins in the darkness of the evening. What are some of the ways in which the evening and the night can be comforting and healing?

*Seventh night: When the Greeks outlawed Jewish study and our ancestors could not study Torah, they began studying the prophets and other writings underground. Later, when Judah Maccabee defeated the Syrians, these underground writings were integrated into Jewish practice. What are some of your experiences that you have integrated into your Jewish practice?

*Eighth night: As Chanukah comes to an end, what is something new you have learned these past eight days?

"Hopefully these reflections can really lead to a meaningful discussion about the miracles in our lives and the memories we can share," said Rabbi Aliza Berk of the BAJHC. "This shows a side of Chanukah that's more than just lighting the menorah or giving presents. It shows how Chanukah really impacts life."

In addition to homes, the BAJHC -- which provides Jewish spiritual care to the ill, those caring for the ill and the bereaved -- sent this and similar healing-oriented guides to area hospitals, nursing homes and other institutions. Not only does the brochure provide a Jewish context for those staff members and patients or residents who want it, but also encourages self-reflection and sharing.

"It's especially important in times of crisis to help the community move forward and build relationships during the holidays," said Weiss.

Added Berk: "It's a time when people are in need of hope and are trying to find a way to light up their lives."