Chanukah, the holiness of this holiday that is supposed to be a secular time, but its light and warmth change the secular into religious Jewish holiness. Gift giving, Chanukah menorahs shining brightly in windows, family get-togethers, laughing and singing, chanting blessings, going to worship services at Shuls, thinking good thoughts as brightly as the menorah is shining.
Fiery passionate gatherings, Chanukah Maccabee warriors fighting and winning peace. Swords flying, bows bending and arrows shooting, horses and chariots beating hoofs into the ground, a battle that was won with one candle lighting the way, one light that lasted for eight days when it was supposed to last for only one.
Reading The Apocalypse about the Crusaders and how they took a loss, how the Jews won the battles and with fewer but braver fighters. We won because we truly had something worth fighting for--we were fighting for peace and the right to practice religious Judaism.
Judaism with jelly donuts, and latkes flying off frying pans in kosher kitchens, not a speck of pork to be found anywhere. Clean foods, pure foods, kosher foods, pure righteous people.
Dreidels spinning, kids laughing, licking the sweetness of melting chocolate gelt. Families bonding together, to keep families going, to continue family love and Judaism in the family generation after generation.
Chanukah, Chanukah, we feel your warmth and love, let it continue all year round!
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