Day 1: Lighting the Way: What the Menorah Means to Me

One Menorah, Many Stories: A Hanukkah Journey Through Light and Legacy

This year, I’m celebrating Hanukkah by reflecting on the light it brings—not just to tradition and family, but to broader themes like leadership and marketing. Each night, I’ll share how the lessons of Hanukkah illuminate these topics, one candle at a time. Together, we’ll explore how its timeless wisdom shines in unexpected places.

When the first candle flickers to life on the menorah, I’m not just celebrating Hanukkah—I’m reliving a story. It’s a story that spans generations, weaving together the threads of tradition, family, and resilience. And for me, this story is anchored in a very special menorah: my parents’ menorah.

The Menorah That Tells My Story

This menorah isn’t just a ceremonial piece; it’s a bridge. My parents got it when they were newlyweds, and it stood proudly in our home through every Hanukkah of my childhood. Today, it stands in my home, connecting my past with my present, and my girls’ future. Sure, I own a handful of menorahs—some whimsical, some modern, some just bought because they caught my eye—but none hold a candle (pun intended) to this one. It’s more than metal and wax; it’s memory and meaning.

Finding Light in the Shadows

As a child of divorce, I’ve learned that family can feel fractured at times. Divorce has a way of complicating the memories. It’s easy to let the hard moments overshadow the joy. But this menorah, shining bright, reminds me to hold onto the good stuff. And you know what? There was a lot of good stuff. I remember the laughter, the warmth, the sense of belonging that my parents cultivated during those Hanukkahs when the menorah cast its golden light across the room.

Here’s the thing: even after the divorce, my parents somehow managed to create something beautiful. They became friends—best friends, really. So much so that my younger sisters see my mom as their Tía Frida. It’s rare, I know, and I count my blessings every day that my girls, Yael and Diana, get to grow up in a family where love transcends the labels of “step” or “ex.”

Hanukkah as a Living Legacy

Hanukkah is about more than fried latkes and chocolate gelt (though let’s be real, those are pretty great perks). It’s about resilience and miracles—the kind of miracles that happen when people come together despite the odds. Lighting this menorah reminds me of my parents’ ability to do just that. It also inspires me to carry forward the love and light for my own daughters.

When Yael’s tiny hands reach for the shamash, I feel the weight of what I’m passing on to her. Not just the ritual, but the story. This menorah isn’t just mine; it’s hers and Diana’s, and someday, their children’s. It’s a living legacy of family, faith, and the beauty of holding onto hope.

A Light That Never Dims

Hanukkah literally means “dedication.” And that’s what this menorah symbolizes for me: dedication to remembering where I’ve come from, cherishing what I have now, and believing in the light we’re all capable of bringing into the world. No matter how many menorahs I own, this one will always hold a special place on my shelf—and in my heart.

So when the candles flicker this year, I’ll think of my parents lighting this menorah decades ago. I’ll think of Yael and Diana growing up surrounded by family who loves them fiercely. And I’ll feel grateful—not just for the eight nights of Hanukkah, but for the everyday miracles that light up our lives.

L’chag sameach! May your menorah shine as brightly in your home as this one does in mine.