whether you spell it channukah, hanukkah, hanukah, hannukah, chanukah, chanukkah, channukah, channukkah or hah-nu-quah (i just made that up, but trust me, it will catch on), the festival of lights is a special time for families and friends to get together to celebrate.
it’s day 4 of hannukkan and i’m in charge of arranging the lovely hand embroidered cloth before the menorah. it’s a tradition in my friend’s family and tradition is what hanukkah is all about, isn’t it?
what would the festival of lights be without a menorah of candles? ok, it would be less of a fire hazard, but, candle dominated holidays is exactly why god made fire extinguishers.
visiting with family and friends, old and new, is one of my favorite parts of this 8 day holiday.
when everyone arrives, we all gather as blessings are said before the candles are lit.
the lighting of the menorah reminds us of the miracle of the oil lamp burning for 8 days when the maccabees rededication of the temple in 165 bce. 
while my hebrew rusty as a moses’ bobby pins, i never hesitate joining in for the last blessing.
how humble i feel, standing in the glow of the candles with those i love knowing that people all over the world have participated in this ritual for centuries.
since no one’s hair caught seriously on fire, it’s time to whip out the dreidel and get the party started!
every night wonderful little gifts are exchanged. this tradition is where most school age children get their sock and underwear drawer stocked for coming year.
i’m hoping to get an honorable mention in the family holiday headgear competition held right after the traditional dinner of chinese take out.
after the blessing, the candles, the gifts, the eggrolls and a few dozen latkes (with extra sour cream) it’s nice to just quietly sit and reflect on peace and happiness. i wonder if i make a wish and blow out the candles it it will come true? it can’t hurt!
mazel tov!
