Today is the first day of the month of Kislev, most famous for the celebration of Hanukah. The Akkadian root of the name seems to mean “thickening,” and it is speculated that this refers to the mud that would be created by the rains that those in the ancient near east would pray would fall in this month, bringing with them the hope for the renewal of the earth in the spring. It is notable that something as mundane as mud was a symbol of hope. May we be inspired by this ancient hope to see hope in the world around us, to even in the muddiness and messiness of this imperfect world. And as we anticipate lighting the Hanukah lights, may we take heart from the words of the psalmist: “For with you is the source of life; in your light, we see light.” (Psalm 36:9)