Vessel or Ignite? What Came First?
Dec 16, 2025
It’s one of the questions I get asked most every time registration opens.
After seven cohorts I still don’t think there’s a single right answer.
Because I don’t think life works that way.
I actually created Vessel first. I wrote the entire curriculum in July 2019. But then, not ready to teach it, I put it away.
A few months later, in December of 2019, I created and taught Ignite.
Only after that did I return to finally teach Vessel.
And that rhythm has continued ever since. Vessel. Ignite. Vessel. Ignite. Expansion. Integration. Container. Light.
Apparently, I learned this rotation from the best.
Because this is also how Creation itself unfolded.
Before there was anything else, there was only light. Ohr Ein Sof. Infinite, radiant, overflowing.
And Hashem wanted so deeply to bring that light into the world so we could experience it.
But the vessels weren’t ready.
They shattered.
And all of history has been about gathering the shards, repairing them, and building stronger vessels so more light can safely live within us.
It hit me only recently that I had unconsciously named my two courses after the essence of every chassidic teaching.
Ohr and Kli.
Ignite and Vessel.
Light and container.
I thought I was teaching psychology, shaped by years of training and study.
But Torah and chassidus had already woven themselves in. Quietly. Inevitably. Through my breath, my language, my way of experiencing life.
At the SHARE Summit last week, Dina Etigson of Machon Maayan shared a teaching that turned my world on its head.
When we feel broken, shattered by life, it’s worth remembering that the very first shattering happened because Hashem wanted to give us more light.
I had never looked at pain that way before.
What if the breaking wasn’t failure, but preparation?
We’re completing the eighth module of Vessel tomorrow. Eight weeks, like eight days of miracles.
Ending on Chanukah feels perfect.
A time of rededication.
Of sanctifying vessels again.
Of welcoming more light.
The Vessel alumni are feeling it. Coming into Chanukah having gathered their shards, strengthened their inner containers, and made space for more.
Did they all start with Vessel?
Nope.
Many took Ignite first.
Because who really knows what comes first.
The light or the vessel.
The awakening or the grounding.
And maybe it doesn’t matter.
Life is a constant cycle of breaking, building, igniting.
Chanukah reminds us of this in the clearest way.
The Maccabees found one small jar of oil. Enough for one night. Maybe.
They could have waited. Debated. Held out for certainty.
Instead, they lit it.
They trusted that the light they had was enough for whatever came next.
And that was the miracle.
Not just the oil.
But the decision to say yes.
Early registration for Ignite closes in just one more day.
You don't need everything figured out
When you’re willing to take the next right step
Ignite begins January 10.
Join us now and receive $97 off with the code SHARE.
We’re already sending out playbooks, and I want to be sure yours arrives before Module One opens.
The best part about the darkest days of winter?
Light is already on its way.
Let’s welcome it together.
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