About Us
Why the Light Lab?
We believe that there is so much insight to be found in Jewish sacred heritage by holding the gems of our liturgy to the light. We see the immense value of personal, heart-opening, empathy-expanding prayer practice. To us, t’fillah is both of those things- the callings-out of our ancestors, and the yearning of our own heart. We are dedicated to making t’fillah accessible and meaningful to all seekers because we believe in the transformative power of liturgy and prayer.
Eliana Light founded the Light Lab in 2021 as a continuation of her 10+ years as a leader and teacher of t’fillah for all ages.
Some organizations we’ve worked with:
As well as dozens of synagogues, camps, and communities!
Cantor Ellen Dreskin introduced us to the language of “holding the gems of our liturgy to the light.” Just like a crystal has many facets, so too does our liturgy. When we take the time to slow down, to sit with and explore a piece of our sacred text, we are holding it up to the light; basking in its brilliance, contemplating its challenges, and being present with what shines in that moment. When we alchemize liturgy into our own prayer, we then shine that light back out into the world, adding to the illumination of our spiritual ancestors, present community, and those yet to come.
This is also a potent metaphor for the soul itself. Eliana’s father, Rabbi Peter Light z”l (may his memory be for a blessing,) taught this metaphor and even designed an eternal light based on this idea. There is a spark of divine light inside each one of us. It cannot be extinguished, and it is connected to all other sparks and to the divine source. Yet it shines out differently for each of us. Our experiences, connections, actions, and aspirations, our very life, wraps around the light like a ribbon of glass, making each of us a unique illumination in the world.
The Light Lab is our place to explore and experience both the gems of our liturgy and the shine of our unique divine light. We are so glad you are here.