And now for some cheery Chanukah thoughts by M.D...
There is just something about Chanukah that makes me feel so happy and warm. Nothing can get me down; not the lack of parking at my local stores, not the fact that the shops I want to enter have been taken over by more people than I ever imagined could be living in my county, not even the overload of cheer that adorns every square inch of the stores and as if that weren’t enough, blasts over the speakers. What can I say, I’m focused.
In our home we love lighting the menorah each night during Chanukah, we love the sufganiyot, the crispy potato latkes and pretty much anything we have as an excuse to deep fry! Now I will admit this tradition is very easy to love regardless of the calorie count and the fact that all this fried food has enough oil to keep them lit for 8 days in and of themselves, respectively. I also find myself wondering, does the tradition make Chanukah or does Chanukah make the tradition? Now I know Chanukah came first but while in deep thought (I try not to hurt myself while doing this) I realize that these traditions are an extension of the miracles associated with Chanukah. Each and every thing involved in Chanukah traditions represents and recognize the depth and meaning of the holiday. From the candles lights that illuminate in darkness, to the oil that reminds us of the miracle that kept the ancient menorah lit in the temple for eight days and most importantly to the miracle of the Jewish people existing to this day because of the guiding hand of the Almighty. G-d’s promises alive and well every time we look into the eye of our fellow Jew.
I don’t know about you, but it’s enough to make me revel in the joy of Chanukah and all its wonderful traditions and as the menorah’s flames light up and warm our homes so does the Chanukah holiday bring in spiritual light during these dark winter days!
Happy Chanukah!
~ M.D.