The Highlight of My Shabbat Candlelighting
6 months ago, at the Geula Gathering, I saw this video below about Ner Echad, and thought it sounded cool. Thousands of Jewish women across the world praying for each other when they light Friday night candles, simultaneously donating $1 of charity to Rebbetzin Kanyevsky’s charity fund for widows and orphans.
So the next day, I joined up. And since then, every week, I’ve received a name of another Jewish woman I don’t know to pray for when I light Shabbat candles.
One week I prayed for a woman in Passaic with a challenging marriage that she should be blessed with shalom bayit, marital harmony.
Another week I prayed for a woman in the Bronx with a sick child that all her children should be blessed with health.
Another week, I prayed that a woman in Toronto who is still single that she should finally find her spouse.
While preparing this post, I watched the video I saw at the Geula Gathering again. But this time, my reaction wasn’t “cool;” this time it brought tears to my eyes.
Like the women in the video, being part of Ner Echad has become an integral and meaningful part of my candle-lighting. It is so moving to feel that I am connecting with a Jewish woman I don’t know, praying for what she needs most in life. And in that way, feeling like I stand together with all of you, all Jewish women, sisters, united as we stand before Hashem performing the mitzvahs of candle lighting and giving charity.
Especially today, as we entire the 9 days, and mourn the Temple destroyed an account of baseless hatred, I urge you to join me and Ner Echad in this worldwide movement to spread love, light, and Jewish unity. Click here to join.
