Don’t Let the Light Go Out — Music to Inspire and Empower

Last night was the first night of Hanukkah — the Festival of Lights for those of Jewish faith and heritage.

With Christmas music flooding the airwaves and concert halls at this time of year (much of it a joy to the ears) we sometimes forget that other music and other celebrations are an important part of this season as well. Although there isn’t as much music associated with Hanukkah as there is with Christmas, there are still many songs to stir our minds and hearts.

A blog called “the Velveteen Rabbi” had a post in 2010 that highlighted some of the music of Hanukkah. He mentioned one song — a Hanukkah song that I love, and that I find inspiring and empowering. It’s written by Peter Yarrow. The folk group he was a part of for many years, Peter, Paul and Mary used to sing it — Light One Candle.

These lyrics from the second verse say so much in just a few words. They speak to a wish and a hope that we have no matter how we celebrate at this season.

Light one candle for all we believe in
Let anger not tear us apart
And light one candle to bind us together
With peace as a song in our heart

Perhaps if we keep the song in our minds and our hearts, we can help bring that peace about. Here’s the song.

Light One Candle

Note: The Starborn Revue will be on hiatus for the next two weeks. See you on stage in the New Year!