20150621_142401 Submission from: Moussie Mandel

  Age: 11

  New York

 

 

Candles burning,

Lives are turning,
Each one a flame
With a separate name.

One spark lights up,
Another’s life,
Helping them through,
Sorrow and strife
Shabbos candles,
With their special light,
Shine upon the world,
Every Friday night.

20150723_135939

Illustration by Moussie Mandel.

Submission from: Emmy Simon

Age: 13

Arizona

She stood there
Tall, proud and regal
The of righteousness that befits
A queen

This had to be what it felt like
To stand in the presence of
A queen

She stood
Her eyes covered
Before the warm glow
Of the candles
Lit by
A queen

She whispered quietly
Asking
That they should be happy
Those children of
A queen

Then she lowered her hands and
Walked, tall and proud
To hold tight this child
This loving daughter of
A queen

KINDLE_CAMERA_14358653120001 Submission from: Devorah Gold

 Age: 14

 Indiana

 

 

As I strike a match, and kindle a flame, I feel a sense of joy. This fire is like any other, yet, it stands apart. A fire of any size, be it a raging inferno or a single match, has inside it strength. Strength to destroy that which is weak; a passion to burn what stands in its way. Due to this, people tend to dislike fire; yet each week we create a flame within our homes. Of course, we have a reason. The tiny, dancing wicks help to kindle the flame within each of us, and connect us to Hashem. As we light those flames, we are reminded of all that they represent and of the Shabbos Queen who is so graciously welcomed into our homes each Friday night. Because, when the Shabbos neiros are lit, they shine so bright that the whole world basis in their glory. With a smile on my face, I light two candles, and turn to greet the Queen.