Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Happy First Day of Chanukah

Jewish holidays start at sunset the night before, so we lit the first candle last night.  Today is the second day of Chanukah, and that's why there are two candles on the right.  The one on the left is used to light the other candles.


Is this not the cutest menorah?  We have a small collection of them.  Tomorrow I'll pick another one.


Traditionally we eat latkes (potato pancakes) or doughnuts for the holiday.  But the Hubz and I don't do this because the last thing we want is more fried food.

Here is the story of Chanukah.

It's an important story because it celebrates religious freedom, but is actually a minor holiday in the Jewish calendar.  We don't bother with gift exchanging; we have enough trouble figuring out birthdays.  But we do give our kids and grands gifts.  Nothing crazy or outrageous.  Just some nice presents.  It's a pretty low-key holiday.  It is not the Jewish Christmas.  There is NO Jewish Christmas.  Christmas celebrates Jesus' birth;  Chanukah celebrates religious freedom..  It's just that the two holidays fall at the same time of year, so there is this sense that it is the Jewish Christmas.  

Edited at 4 PM today:  Stay tuned for an equally adorable menorah for tomorrow.  This one is probably my favorite!



2 comments:

Sarah said...

Happy Chanukah!
What an adorable menorah - I can't wait to see the rest of your collection. When I worked at the University of Miami they would have a staff party with Christmas and Chanukah food - I miss those latkes!

Terri said...

That is a cute Menorah. Love that it is family oriented. Yes, I too will love to see your collection.
Happy Chanukah!
Hugs

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