As the attendant to the light, the Shamash is responsible for lighting all the others. So too, each of us is a light. We have the choice as to whether we live from that lit-up place or ignore our light.

Something in the human spirit survives even the worst of tragedies, allowing us to rebuild shattered lives, broken institutions and injured nations. That to me is the Jewish story.

Diwali for me has always been something empowering: a time to reflect on all of the positives within our lives -- our loving friends and family, our good health, and prosperity -- and realize what it is truly important.

For Jews, practicing our religion has never been as straightforward. Throughout history we have had to fight and die simply to observe our faith. Hanukkah represents a triumphant moment.

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is celebrated in the Hindu calendar months of Ashwin and Kartika, and in the western calendar on Oct. 26, 2011. D...

Dec. 1 marked the beginning of Hanukkah, the Jewish "Festival of Lights", which runs through Dec. 9. HuffPost bloggers Rabbi Laura Geller, Rabbi ...

The world is rife with worthy causes we have taken up with enthusiasm and then abandoned. Rededicate yourself to repairing God's anguished world. If we manage that, the oil will burn for countless nights to come.

The White House Office of the Press Secretary November 4, 2010 Statement by the President on Diwali Tomorrow, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhist...

Diwali has many reasons to be celebrated, but what they have in common is the belief that the day, in one way or another, commemorates freedom from ignorance, darkness and evil, and an awakening, or reawakening, of light, goodness and wisdom.

At this time of the year people around the world are getting ready to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights. Light the lamp of wisdom and love in every heart and bring a radiant smile on every face.

Though celebrated for different reasons, Diwali has evolved from a pan-Indian festivity uniting multicultural diversity with worldwide cultures.