Today is Pearl Harbor Day. A day that until 9/11/01 was one Americans recognized as the only time a foreign entity attacked our soil- since our War of Independence (which ended with the War of 1812).
But, tomorrow- tomorrow is a special day. It’s my brother’s birthday. Which always coincided with Chanuka. (The Hebrew date for his birthday was really yesterday.) It also was my grandfather’s birthday. He never really knew the Gregorian date- but knew his birthday coincided with the lighting of the first candle of Chanuka. One day I’ll share a few of his stories- how he came to America, his circus life, his time with Teddy Roosevelt and Black Jack Pershing, his entrepreneurial days, and his care and love insuring that I would learn math before I was four. Who was also a typical American Jew, in that he did not practice his faith- except for Chanuka because it reminded him of his early adolescence and his family.
Which is appropriate, since, contrary to popular American belief, it is the most minor of holidays. Oh, folks try to elevate it to the importance of Christmas- but, it’s not. It is not a holiday ordained by Hashem, but one decided by the Jewish people to acknowledge.
Oh, you know the basic story. The Jews revolted against the Greeks, who were oppressing their religion, took control of the Great Temple, purified the Temple, and found one cruse of oil that should have listed one day- but stayed lit for eight, instead.
That’s one story. But, there are plenty of them. Some pretty uplifting, others similar to those from other revolutions, where our tolerance for others is a bit wanting. But, the holiday celebrates light- the bringing of light where there is darkness, lighting the torch of freedom so that all may partake.
Happy Birthday, Neil. I miss you, not just on your birthday, Grandpa Sol. And, Happy Chanuka to all. May the light from the Supreme Being (SB) illuminate every aspect of your life. Shine on, be that example the SB wants us to be for the world.
Happy Chanuka, Roy.
Thanks, David. You have a wonderful holiday, as well.
Thank you that was beautiful.
shawn recently posted..How to Schedule Posts on Your Facebook Fan Page
Glad you liked it, Shawn. Thanks for the visit.
Wow, I want to hear more of your grandfather’s stories. The circus and Teddy Roosevelt? And while Chanuka may be a minor festival, the bringing of light into the darkness in the dead of winter is deLIGHTful.
Ann Mullen recently posted..Noise Pollution: A Senior Care Health Hazard
I’m with you- may the lights be more than delightful, Ann.
Happy birthday to your brother! I look forward to your future stories about your Grandpa. Grandpa stories are usually wonderful. And may your lights shine for you and the world this Chanuka.
Lisa Brandel recently posted..Dragonfly In Blue by Lisa Brandel
I’ll pass along your birthday wishes, Lisa. And, I certainly hope the lights shine for the world this week.
Those stories of your grandfather sound very interesting. Looking forward to reading them.
Jeffrey Scott recently posted..Broken
I’m sure I’ll get around to it, Jeffrey. Thanks for visiting.
I always enjoy your family stories, Roy. Grandpa Sol sounds like a fascinating man. I hope to read more about him in future posts.
Have a happy and blessed Chanuka!
Janette Fuller recently posted..Book Review: You Can Write A Short Story! by Geoff Hoff
Yes, Janette, he regaled me with plenty of them. Even a few photos worth saving (like him with BlackJack Pershing and Teddy!)
Thank you for sharing a little of what makes your family special Roy. You certainly have some stories to share. And a Happy Chanuka to you and your family. Blessings.
Bonnie recently posted..I Let My Heart Break
May you have a wonderful weekend, too, Bonnie!
curious…had to look up what Chanuka meant….okay so I’ve heard the word Hanukkah before…is one a preferred word for it or do they actually mean slightly different things??
The word is not in English, Katrina. So, depending upon from where one comes- and one’s accent, the way folks hear it- and then try to spell it can be different. Kind of like Peking and Beijing!
Happy birthday to your brother. Happy Chanukah to you and your family. Here’s hoping the festival brings joy, happiness and all things wonderful for you and your family.
And yes, I might just pester you some day for Grandpa stories!
Hajra recently posted..Inspiration, Laziness, Secrets
Love all those wishes, Hajra. Thanks so much.
There is so much history in your family, Roy. Looking forward to future stories — especially your grandfather’s circus tales!
Samantha Bangayan recently posted..A Simple Life: The Fine Line Between Simplicity and Laziness
I think every family is a three ring circus, Samantha!
I understand about the different candies one candle gets the light and pass to the others … “lighting the darkness…” One life touches another life.
Mike Cleveland recently posted..Email Is Dead
Great insight, there, Mike. Thanks for adding that dimension.
And, thanks for visiting AND commenting.