The miracle of having enough oil to keep the eternal flame lit for 8 days was nearly matched by the miracle of me actually having gifts—nay, wrapped gifts!—ready for the kids last night even after the crazy week I had. Steph got two shirts and some earrings, Pete got a big LEGO set, and Julie got an earring/jewelry caddy and some earrings.
I did not, however, have sufficient energy or time to make latkes, so I will try to make that happen tomorrow. Tonight the kids all got new drawing books and markers. We also played a rollicking game of dreidel. It was hard to tell who won because we all kept dipping into our winnings (we were playing for peanut M&Ms instead of coins).
Last week's temple newsletter had a wonderful essay from our rabbi about how Hanukkah is often pushed into competition with Christmas and made into something it was never meant to be. He said:
Chanukah means "Dedication." Dedication to our values and ideals. Dedication to our synagogue and heritage and tradition and community. Dedication to the notion of miracle and wonder, that some things are simply amazing, beautiful beyond our words.
I see the brightly lit menorah reflected in my kids' eyes as they push aside some discarded wrapping paper and spin a simple wooden top on the floor in the hopes of winning a handful of candy. There is plenty to celebrate in my warm kitchen.
Amen.
Posted by: Rachel K | December 13, 2009 at 08:06 AM
It sounds wonderful and exactly the way a holiday should be!
Posted by: Margaret | December 13, 2009 at 12:59 PM
I also don't like the way Christmas has been pushed into being something it was never meant to be. Happy Hanukkah!
Posted by: Elena | December 13, 2009 at 10:19 PM