Your Choice: Light or Darkness – Rabbi Simon Jacobson’s Guide to Navigating Spiritual Darkness and Finding Hidden Light
Everyone faces moments when life feels clouded, uncertain, or even shrouded in darkness. During these periods, it’s easy to believe the light has disappeared. But what if darkness isn’t the end of hope, but an invitation to discover inner depths and illuminate new strengths?
Understanding Darkness as Hidden Potential
Rabbi Simon Jacobson explains that spiritual darkness is not simply the absence of light, but often a state where light is concealed – waiting to be revealed. Just like a seed must be buried in the earth’s darkness before it grows, our moments of struggle are often the beginnings of new growth and possibility.
Consider the story of someone who loses a job unexpectedly. The initial shock can feel like falling into a void. Yet, with time and reflection, many uncover different talents, pursue a new purpose, or deepen their empathy and inner resilience. Rabbi Jacobson points to these hidden blessings within the challenge. The darkness isn’t meant to paralyze us, but to invite us to become more.
Light and Darkness: A Daily Choice
Jewish wisdom emphasizes that both darkness and light are ever-present, and it is up to each of us to decide which to focus on. This doesn’t mean ignoring pain or pretending everything is perfect. Instead, it’s about learning to find sparks of light even in trying circumstances and using those sparks to guide ourselves and others forward.
For example, after a personal setback or when feeling stuck, one powerful step is to list even the smallest things that still work in your life—a caring friend, the ability to take a walk, or a skill you still have. This process creates openings for gratitude and shifts awareness from what’s missing to what’s possible.
Practical Steps to Move Through Darkness
- Reframe Your Challenge: See difficulties as opportunities for growth. Ask: What can I learn or develop in myself through this?
- Daily Rituals for Inviting Light: Start each morning with a mindful moment—be it a short prayer, a gratitude journal, or simply setting an intention to seek light that day.
- Create Connections: Reach out to someone trustworthy during hard times. Sharing your story can help transform isolation into support, while also allowing others to contribute their light to your darkness.
- Practice Giving: Acts of kindness, no matter how small, have the power to light up another person’s life—and in turn, reignite your own hope.
- Reflect on Past Triumphs: Recall previous times you overcame hardship. Let those memories serve as proof that you can emerge from darkness stronger and more insightful.
Transitioning from darkness to light is rarely an overnight process. However, by embracing these small, daily choices, you can gradually reveal the hidden light within and around you.
Bringing Light to Others
Jewish tradition reminds us that a single candle can dispel much darkness. When you begin to shift even a little—by finding meaning in struggle, helping someone else, or simply choosing hope—you not only uplift yourself but those around you. Rabbi Jacobson encourages everyone to see their unique abilities as essential sources of illumination in the world.
Every day, you stand at the crossroads: Will you let the darkness define you, or choose to uncover and nurture the light within? The next time you feel lost or overwhelmed, remember that even the darkest night is followed by dawn—often made more beautiful for what you’ve learned in the dark.
