Chanuka

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Chanuka stars
Chanuka stars (Photo credit: Aviruthia)

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.Roy A. Ackerman, Ph.D., E.A.

 

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22 thoughts on “Chanuka”

  1. 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??

  2. 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

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