Well, the title doesn't quite work, because the guttural pronunciation for Hanukah doesn't look right for Happy. But if we have Jewish friends wishing them well or giving them a card last evening would have been fitting because it was the beginning of this minor Jewish festival. This is the first full day.
Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukah is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and may occur from late November to late December. The festival is observed by the kindling of the lights of a special candelabrum, the nine-branched menorah and the miracle of Hanukah was that the oil for the menorah lasted eight days even though it appeared that there was only enough for one.
Some Jews in North America and Israel have created a "green Hanukah" in relation to this miracle of the oil, emphasizing reflection on energy conservation and energy independence. An example of this is the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life's renewable energy campaign. It seems like a bit of a stretch, but why not, especially in the midst of the climate change summit in Copenhagen.
My favorite aspect of Hanukah is potato latke's the scumptious pancakes that taste best served with sour cream. While I have never had the jelly doughnuts, they sound divine.
Any Hanukah stories dear readers?
Our neighbourhood in Winnipeg housed many Jewish families, and it was quite lovely to walk in the evening, and see the glowing menorahs in the windows of many homes. Interestingly our girls went down the street to a Christian nursery school.It was located in a Lutheran church on a corner that Winnipegger's referred to as the Four Corners of Faith with a Lutheran Church, a Catholic girls school, a Uniterian "church" and the large Jewish Synagogue all criss crossed from each other. We enjoyed the learning that went living amidst many of different beliefs. A Hanukah latke tradition was born for our family during our time there. Yummo!
ReplyDeleteMy son is at a Hanukah party tonight. Laura - when we lived in Winnipeg my son's Scout troop visited the " Four Corners of Faith" Each building had a service. The girls school was one of the highlights.
ReplyDeleteI find the lighting of the Hanukah candles to be very special. We had a chance to participate in the lighting many years ago.
Both your responses are good reminders of the diversity of our society. Thanks.
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