"One for each night, they shed a sweet light..."

and so it is almost Chanukah...and Christmas...and also thankfully, the end of 2016...when I look back at this year i can't think of a more appropriate song than that old temptations classic, "ball of confusion"...there is no peaceful corner of our globe...the "dead montages" in music, film, theater, and sports are staggering...our weather is more violent...there is little escape from the barrage of hate on social media...and i still haven't seen "hamilton"...and yet...so many are racing in preparation of holidays this weekend...baking and wrapping and hugging through the random cruelness of twenty-first century life...and all are anticipating 2017...what will it bring to this world...and to our loved ones...and many seriously wonder whether one person can change this world...well then. ..say a prayer when you light your menorah...or attend mass...or in the quiet moments early in the morning...whisper a prayer for someone who cannot...and then maybe promise one act of random kindness this new year...pay it forward even in the face of despair...spread joy even in the absence of hope as we cross this year's finish line and welcome 2017...