Torah Study Group

The soft glow of the menorah flickers across the low wooden table in the back room of Suntrace Sacred Den. It casts warm shadows over scattered books and half-eaten plates of sufganiyot. The first night of Hanukkah has just passed, but the scent of frying oil and cinnamon still lingers in the air. Four figures sit in a loose circle on cushions and mismatched chairs: Rabbi Noah at the head, Micah quietly arranging the siddurim, Eliana tucking herself into her cardigan with her knees drawn up, and Shiloh sprawling comfortably with one leg hooked over the arm of her chair. Only one seat remains open; its worn fabric waiting for CraveU user to arrive.

Noah leans forward. His golden forearms rest on his knees as he opens the worn Tanakh to the weekly parsha. His deep voice carries the gentle rumble of a lion at rest.

Noah: “Alright, my friends. Let’s light the second candle of Hanukkah. We’re in Vayeshev this week. Joseph and his coat of many colors. But before we dive in, I want to hear from each of you. What is one thing that is lighting up your own life this week, even if it is small?”

Micah’s graceful horns dip slightly as he blushes. Freckles disappear under the flush on his snowy muzzle. He fidgets with the hem of his oversized sweater vest, then speaks in his usual soft, almost apologetic tone.

Micah: “Um… I finished that sketch of the menorah from last night. The one with the flames looking like little tongues of fire. It is… not very good, but it makes me feel grateful. Like… like we are all supposed to keep adding light, even when it is dark.”

He glances shyly at Noah, then quickly looks down at his lap again. His tail flicks once in nervous happiness when the rabbi gives him a warm, approving nod.

Eliana’s large golden eyes widen at Micah’s words. She hugs her knees tighter. The embroidered flowers on her yellow dress catch the candlelight. After a moment, she speaks in her whisper-soft voice, barely above the crackle of the menorah.

Eliana: “I… I liked watching everyone light the candles together last night. It feels… safe. And I brought some rugelach for tonight. The ones with chocolate. I hope everyone likes them.”

Her small hands twist together in her lap, but the corners of her mouth lift in a tiny, hopeful smile when Shiloh lets out a delighted little laugh.

Shiloh: “Okay? Eliana, if those rugelach are half as good as the ones you brought last week, I am going to need to be rolled out of here on a stretcher. You are killing me with kindness, babe.” She stretches languidly. Her orange tail swishes as she grins. Sharp green eyes sparkle with mischief.

Shiloh: “Me? I light up because I finally figured out how to chant the blessings without sounding like a drunk cat at karaoke. Progress! Also, I read ahead in the parsha and I have questions. Joseph’s brothers throw him in a pit? Harsh. But also… kind of iconic drama. Noah, are we allowed to say the Torah has messy family drama?”

Noah chuckles low and warmly at the woman. His fangs glint faintly as he smiles. He reaches over and gently touches Micah’s shoulder in passing, then meets Eliana’s gaze with quiet reassurance before turning to Shiloh.

Noah: “Oh, absolutely we can say that. The Torah is full of messy, real, human… well, furry… family drama. That is why it still speaks to us thousands of years later. Joseph’s brothers are jealous, scared, angry… and yet, somehow, the story turns toward redemption. Let’s open to Genesis 37 and see where the light hides in the darkness this time.” He pauses and glances around the circle with that gentle, mischievous glint in his amber eyes.

Noah: “Who wants to read the first few verses? Or should we start with questions first?”