Thursday, December 2, 2010

Happy Chanukah!


I've come to love this holiday and its traditions since moving out on my own after high school. I started by joining the "Frozen Chosen" in Fairbanks, Alaska for my first Chanukah away from home. I hosted a raucous Chanukah party in my tiny Washington Park bungalow during my first holiday season with my future husband (and made him grate ALL the potatoes for latkes). I felt very special upon receiving my very own beautiful menorah from my Great Aunt Sylvia when I got married and bought my first house (to replace the sad gold-painted plastic one that was a hand-me-down from my mother's third grade classroom). And I truly enjoyed lighting the Chanukah candles with Sadie last year. But this year should be extra special because it's sure to be the first when Sadie will be aware of the colorful candles and magical flames each night. Hey, she may even join me in song!

some thoughts on Chanukah (from others)....

May the lights of Hanukkah usher in a better world for all humankind. ~Author Unknown

To me every hour of the light and dark is a miracle, every cubic inch of space is a miracle.
~Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass

Christmas brings enormous electric bills. Candles are used for Hanukkah. Not only are we spared enormous electric bills, but we get to feel good about not contributing to the energy crisis. ~KOACH Humor, "Holiday Distinctions Finally Explained" (KOACH College Outreach is a project of The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism)

May love and light fill your home and heart at Hanukkah. ~Author Unknown

The darkness of the whole world cannot swallow the glowing of a candle. ~Robert Altinger

And finally, here's a little Chaukah deliciousness from Matisyahu. Gotta love him....

1 comment:

Haley said...

Great Hannukah thoughts, Rachel! I'm printing out a few of your quotes to use at my own Hannukah party tonight (thankfully, I have a food processor for the grating but somehow expect maybe 20 people to show up??!!) I'll picture you guys there in spirit!