These dark, troubled times now coincide with the 10 days that span from Rosh HaShanah to Yom Kippur. In Jewish consciousness, these 10 days are the time that God is very close to us. The premise of this call to action is that if we, the Jewish people, make a small effort to be closer to God, we can help restore the light and bring peace and security back into the world.

This coming Friday night, September 21, is Shabbat Teshuva, the Sabbath of Return. You can be part of bringing purpose and meaning to the intrinsically bonded words, Shabbat and Shalom Sabbath and Peace. Here's how:

Light two Sabbath candles - one candle for Shabbat and one candle for peace, Shalom.
At sunset, join Jewish women around the world to recite the special prayer that follows, light your 2 candles* and then recite the traditional blessing over the Sabbath candles. (Candlelighting times for your city can be found at the end.)

Before lighting your candles say,

Through the light of our candles, may we merit an end to all our suffering. May the power and beauty of their glow awaken the light that is burning deep within us. And may this light from within burst forth and spread to all the four corners of this earth until the whole world is enveloped in Your light of Peace, in Your light of Joy, and in Your light of Redemption. Amen

The Blessing after lighting your candles:

Take time Friday evening to reflect, read a Jewish or spiritual book or article**, spend time with family and friends, or say a prayer.
The Sabbath is a time for us to slow down and think about what we want with our lives and to appreciate the blessings we have. It is a time to share and celebrate with our family and friends. Even if you have other plans for the evening, take a few minutes for yourself and the Sabbath before you head out.

As we cross the threshold into the new Jewish Year of 5762 and stand before our Creator who counts up all our deeds, may God bless us with peace while counting all our candles.