There is a story about the Baal Shem Tov and his obsession with light.
His disciples knew how much he loved a bright room and so, in his presence, they tried to fill every room with candles. But one day, the students could only muster one candle; no other form of wax or wick was found.The students were unsure of his reaction. Would he be angry? Would he be understanding? The Baal Shem Tov entered the dim room and asked the students to go outside and collect icicles. Taking the icicles, the students arranged the frozen sculptures around the room and upon the teacher’s command, they miraculously lit the ice on fire.Light shone from all directions, reminding the students that even out of the coldest and darkest moments, light and warmth may ensue. In the pockets of time in which blankets of dark seem heavy and suffocating, we must all remember, light comes from the unexpected, brightness from happenings unplanned.Look for light in the darkest of places. We might be surprised by how bright it can become.Shabbat Shalom
