The Menorah At The Nation's Capital
Happy Hanukkah 2009
A National Hanukkah Menorah is lit on the White House grounds every year, at the Ellipse during the eight day Jewish holiday commemorating the Jewish Maccabees' military victory over Syrian oppression more than 2,000 years ago.
During Hanukkah Jews and many who are not Jews will across the world celebrate the miracle of light that burnt for eight days out of a single-days-worth of oil found in the Temple. One Hanukkah candle is lit the first night, and an additional candle is lit each successive night.
The holiday is a celebration of religious freedom, blessings and hope. It is an eight day celebration! The candles are lit in succession each night, for the miracles and the wonders, the prayers are said in Hebrew and in English, their meaning and messages are powerful.
The foods are wonderful; ah, but the latkes that my friends Mitch and Nancy used to make ~~~ great memories, smells and tastes indeed but quite a feat to clean up afterwards! Games involving dreidels (of course you can buy them shaped and named that in chocolate to eat, as opposed to play!), and the gelt (the money the children are given to enjoy the holiday is also sold in stores wrapped in gold foil to play/eat and enjoy!!), and then there is the reality that since it is eight days of celebration, that means eight days of gifts... right?
We light candles in all cultures and faiths: candles of hope for some. We light candles for remembrance or out of tradition; for prayer, for reflection and for visions of healing through the centuries... I to see the interconnectedness of all peoples; the many colorful circles continuing through cultures, spirituality, traditions, tribes... and it is good, and I give thanks!
So today, as we hustle in the bustle of the holidays... I ask that you take a moment for YOU, just a moment to stop and light your candle; reflect, remember, honor and cherish the moment. It is your moment, on this third day of Hanukkah.
Walk In Beauty
author of Healing Heartaches, Stories of Loss and Life
1 comment:
Beautiful!
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