So what is Hanukkah about? When I was a girl in grade seven In a small town called Twin Valley I had a friend in school named Lynn Wolbeck. She was Jewish. I had always mistakenly felt sorry for Jewish people thinking they were missing out on Christmas. I am sure many of you have felt that way too. Lynn taught me a little about her faith and it made me realize that I needed to learn more about people before I passed judgements.
Hanukkah or sometimes Chanukah because of the way it sounds, is a festival to sort of reaffirm the beliefs of Judaism and celebrate the rededication of the second temple of Jerusalem by lighting a candle for each day that the temple lantern blazed way back then. It was thought to be a miracle as there was actually only enough oil in the lantern for one day. The date for it this year is Dec 18-26th. Those dates change.
The Jews rose against their oppressors during the Maccabean Revolt. When they rededicated the temple and lit the lantern it began the yearly celebration. Many now use a menorah of candles to show each day. Most menorah’s have nine though, and the extra one to light the others. Some ancient temples even have only seven and for them it symbolizes the many branches of knowledge.
My friend Lynn and her family celebrated with small gifts and food for many more days than we did during our Christmas! That was pretty cool! She taught me to be more open to new thoughts, ideas, and of course people who are different. That year she made me a couple cool things for my Hanukkah gifts and I still have both of them. Many give useful gifts are given such as food and home items or sometimes gelt(coins). She gave me a small pillow and a cool corduroy purse that looked like jeans. So I just wanted to send out a Thank-you again to you Lynn wherever you are!! And of course Happy Hanukkah!