A note from the artist: @jannetecreates ‘Give Me Light’ was inspired immediately after reading the prompt, “Look at how a single candle can both defy and define darkness.” The finished illustration is a result of an image I saw so vividly in my mind, I remember quickly sketching it in my planner so I didn’t forget.

I knew I wanted something utilizing stark contrast with a silhouetted window overlooking Jerusalem, a single decorative gilded candle, and wistful eyes peering outward. Overall, this piece is meant to depict the eternal and powerful flame found within every Jew and the promise of rebirth. As a people, we have been resilient and unyielding, shining brilliantly each time the dark threatened to consume us. No matter what, even with tears in our eyes as we push forward, our souls remained focused on returning home and living a golden, honeyed future.

The candle itself sits in a decorative holder inspired by kiddush cups. Both the branches and pomegranate depicted on its surface represent our deep roots and appreciation to knowledge, life, and tradition. There is a small nod to Shabbat here – specifically Havdalah. Havdalah is a ceremony meant to prepare and welcome a new week after partaking in the spiritual rest of Shabbat. It separates the holy from the mundane. Through flame, fragrance, and wine we offer prayers for the strength we regained from that rest to carry us through until we greet Shabbat again.

You may have noticed that the candle isn’t braided like a traditional Havdalah candle. This is to reference the simple candles we use to welcome Shabbat every Friday night at sundown.

In the eyes, the Star of David sits only on the left, the side of the heart, a hint toward prayers that lie deep in the heart of every Jew. More specifically, this honors the private conversations we can only have with God during our hardest days. Today, these may be the quiet prayers headed eastward, where our thoughts are currently focused.

There is a single tear falling, a wish for continued strength and hope. Growing up, I was always taught that our tears were more precious than gold to God. He’d save each drop as his own personal reminder for the right time to bestow blessings and redemption — be it for our protection or the protection of future generations. It was almost as if He was saying, “I hear your prayers, they are precious, but not yet.” My teachers and mentors would remind me that “someone cried on your behalf. For you to be here, for your freedom, for your Jewishness, for your light to prevail.”

I am an answer to a tearful prayer that echoes back in time.

My light prevails.

About the artist: Jannete Djemal is a Sephardi-Jewish creator specializing in everything from marketing to packaging to branding design. When she isn't solving out her client's latest creative problem, she's probably reading or drawing.