The Roots of Christmas Part 1

Shalom:

Even when I was a wee one, I have always been full of questions.
"mummie why this, mummie why that?"
The great thing is, my mother loved it; it made for some great discussions.
Mother says that's because I not only read, but thought too much.
But that's  another story.
And many of my questions centred on  Christmas.

I grew up in a Baptist home and for the most part I loved it. It gave me not only spiritual grounding, but a knowing that there was a place and a purpose for me in the world, that I didn't just exist and take up space.
When it came to Christmas, I often asked the following questions: if we are celebrating the birth of the Messiah, why isn't He receiving the gifts? The Scriptures say the shepherds watched their flocks by night, yet why do we say Messiah was born in December? It is cold in Israel that time year. And how the three kings arrive all alone at the house just as Messiah was born?  Etc.
Like many  parents, Mother didn't know the answers. She would just smile and say: why don't you look it up."
 You see, those questions weren't important to her. And she knew one of the best ways to teach a child, isn't to give them the answer, but point them to the answer. If a child, even an adult really wants to learn, they are willing to search out the answers, making the answers their own.
Which is a wonderful way for a child to learn.
Case in point: St. Nicholas of Myra.
"Mummie, where is Myra?"
So Mother and I went to the encyclopedia and looked up Myra, which is in now modern day Turkey.
So it seems St Nick  didn't live in the North Pole after all and I could prove it.
This was just the beginning:
It was in Junior High School I found the founding:
It seems that winter celebrations are nothing new, predating Christianity by thousands of years.
 The Norse folk,  after the autumn  harvest was brought in, would settle in for the long, often brutal winters in their homes. The men would fell long trees and bring in the logs that were known to burn a good 12 days or so (Yule log).  Animals were brought into the home for warmth. Most, however  were slaughter and used for food because there was really no way to house them during the long winter months.  Thus the cause of much feasting.
Families often visit each other as the winter weather  permitted; sharing in games, gifts giving and of course eating.
 Between the scent of Man and Beast filling the air, pine branches were often brought in, not only with the reminder that spring will return,  but to freshen stale air. There were also cults such as the Druids and Asherah that the evergreen tree, mistletoe, holly and the Yule log were part of their worship traditions.

The night rider who has since become known as Santa Claus came from a Norse myth as well. But the Night Rider wasn't an jolly ole elf, but a mean-spirited  being that was known to terrorise the good Northern folk.
 So the Winter Solstice was and still is, a wonderful time to gather with family and one's  community. Having grown up in New England, I know this first hand; a large feast with fresh food and smoked meats, served as a send off to the fruitful autumn months, as people hunkered down, for the winter, telling stories of the night rider and other ghostly tales.
I remember spending part of the winter with family in Montana a few years ago.  Snowy nights where all we did was enjoy hot chocolate, bake bread, watch the telly or tell stories. My sister Jaylene and I talking over the cross-stitch we were working on or laughing over some silly joke.
Just as we do now during Christmas and Hanukkah.
The  winter celebrations took many different forms in different cultures around the then known world, most celebrating the lengthening days and the return of Spring and the return of the sun. Many thought the coming spring would bring the rebirth of the sun itself.
So how did these celebrations become what we know as Christmas?
That will be my next post.

A Christmas Carol Revisted (Update)

Lailia Tov;
One of the many traditions many enjoy doing this time of the year is the watching and/or reading of Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol.
Ah old, Ebenezer Scrooge!
How often those of us who do not celebrate Christmas or "keep it" as Dickens would say, as others do, are called "Scrooge."
Frankly, unless one truly feels as old Ebbie does about the whole affair,(and I have known people who truly do) it is an unfair comment.
Because, if one truly reads the story, while the backdrop is Christmas, Scrooge's bitter, angry spirit really has nothing to do with the holiday. Christmas is the setting for Scrooge's transformation.
Ebenezer's mother dies in childbirth, his birth. And as a result, his father, blaming the babe for his wife's death, rejecting him, turning away from the boy, leaving him to be raised in Boarding Schools. It's in these schools, Ebenezer spends his holidays, winter, spring, summer and fall, alone.

This is until, years later, when  his sister Fran manages to change their father's harden heart and he is permitted to come home.
As a young man, Ebenezer loses that dear sister when, Fran as a young,  married woman also dies in childbirth, having Ebenezer's nephew and now only relative. He turns from the boy, just as his father had done years ago.
Ebenezer soon grows to believe the only thing one can truly rely on is money and his drive to become rich drives even the woman he loves away. He later is showed by the Spirit of Christmas Past, that Belle is not only married to a wealthy man, but blessed with many children, children that could have been his own.
It really doesn't matter the time of year or season, Scrooge is a bitter old man who loves and cares for no one. Not even himself. He has shut himself off in his own coffin, just waiting to die.
The needs of England's poor are of no concern to him at any time, let alone Christmas..
Interesting, the nephew, Fred, who also loses his beloved mother in childbirth, his heart reminds open and gentle. He even continues to reach out to the uncle who rejects him. He, along with Scrooge's Clark, never allow Scrooge sour mood to affect them or dampen their joy. But this has nothing to do with the "Christmas spirit." This is the G-dly spirit that all of us who claim to love G-d should have.
After the night visits of three ghost, Scrooge is a changed man. He is open not only to receive Christmas, but to his fellowman. Not just Christmas Day, but throughout the year. It took the facing of himself as well as his approaching death to have this change of heart.
But it isn't as simple as that; for Scrooge still had to chose; continue to be a to  sourpuss and when shown his life and his fate, continue on that path or  path change his course, his nature
We are have that same choice; we can choice to walk about looking like we dined on sour grapes or feasted on sweet wine and apples. We can take the hurts of our lives and use it as a sword to attack others, or as oilment to help heal the world around us.

 So whenever someone calls me Scrooge because  I don't keep Christmas, I smile. Because I have read the end of the book.

 You see, Scrooge was a changed man. He kept Christmas not just one day, but every day of the year. Yeshua was born in his heart and grew into Scrooge and Scrooge took on His nature.
And I hope that is true of me.

The New Quilt

Shalom:

After showering and dressing for the day, I decided to work on a small quilt. While I lost much material and well as my sewing machine to Hurricane Sandy, I did find batting for a crib size quilt. Years ago I found a beautiful piece of cloth that depicts an Victorian x-mas in shades of white and blue. A great quilt for a child from newborn to maybe toddle size, I thought it might fetch me a decent price.
Since my sewing machine got water logged and is no more, this project will be done by hand. I rather like sewing by hand. It is how I first learned to sew; my grandmother holding my hand as I held the needle, her helping me work a bit of cloth.

Later, in fourth grade, when we first stitch on brown paper towels, moving up to cloth. In fifth grade, we were big girls as we moved to Singer Sewing machines.
So as I work on this new quilt, trying to balance Monti on my lap, I pray for the child that will hold this quilt.
 

Friday Morning, 9:30

Shalom:
Last Friday, 9:30 am, our lives changed forever.
A shower of bullets, rained down and cut down the lives of twenty-six souls.
Six miles away, laid the dead body of the first victim, the killer's own mother.
He shot his mother in the face in the bedroom of the home they shared. He obliterated her identity while she was in her bed, in the home they shared and she had homeschooled him for the last few years of their lives.
The reason? If the sources are correct, Mrs. Lanza had plan to have her son committed for mental health treatment.
The  experts say seeking treatment against someones will is fraught with difficulties. From first hand experience, I know this to be true.
He then stole his mother's guns and car, headed to the school where his mother loved to spend time with the children and took the lives of twenty children and six teachers.
Because he thought his mother loved the children of Sandy Hook more than him.
Six teachers. Six women. Mothers, grandmothers. One was to become engaged Christmas eve; he had already asked for her hand in marriage.
"No greater love have a man (or woman) who would laid down their life for another..."
Twenty little faces, now beholding the face of their Creator.
It was a week ago they left us and joined Him.
Friday morning, 9:30 am.

 

My Choice for Preson of the Year

Vicky Soto, like the other five other teachers at Sandy Hook, died trying to protect and save their students.
My husband, like all our servicemen and women, are trained to run into the line of fight. Our police and firefighters faces these dangers daily.
But teachers are trained to teach, not to protect children.
That comes from a deeper place in a teacher's soul.They do it because those children "are their children."
These six women, though not perfect by any means, really were angels that walked amoung us unawares.
Until last Friday Morning.
May she rest in peace and May G-d Comfort those who mourn her.

Now I Feel Better :)

The Slaying of the Innocent

Shalom:
^" Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: “Every Hebrew boy that is born you must throw into the Nile, but let every girl live.” Ex. 1:22

 "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more."  Matt 2:18

 It has been a sad week.
As many of my friends prepare to celebrate winter holidays, the joy has been tempted with sadness and tears.
Like most Americans, I find myself choking when ever I see a tiny coffin being carried into a House of Worship or a grave site. I cried myself into a headache when I heard that the first victim was killed by her own son. Such hatred that he would go to the school where she worked and shoot to death twenty tiny souls and their teachers.
Why? Because he was mad that his mother, who could no longer help him, was seeking legal action to place him somewhere to get her son help. Because he was jealous of the attention his mother gave the children at Sandy Hook.
So he rose up and killed.
This reminds me of both Pharaoh and King Herod.
Pharaoh, who feared that the Hebrews would rise up and fight with his enemies, at first tried to have the Midwives do his dirty work. When that plan failed, he ordered the baby boys thrown into the Nile River.
From the mist of this nightmare, rose a saviour. His parents would not obey the order, hid their boy until he was six months old, and then, through a series of events, Moshe (Moses) ended up living in the Palace of the very man who ordered his death and one day, would leave his people to the Promise Land.
Speed forth to the Birth of Yeshua. During this time, the Jews were waiting for the Messiah, seeking him in every infant boy's face.
King Herod also knew about the prophecy about the coming of a new king, one who would sit on the Throne of King David his father.
One day, Herod heard of a group of men looking for "he was born king of the Jews." He had them brought to his Palace and during the interview, he learn these men from the East, after reading the writings of the prophet Daniel, figured through Daniel's writings and their charts, this was about the time for Messiah to be born.
Calling it "His Star in the night sky, they followed it to Jerusalem, where the men were led to see Herod, who after all was king.
During the interview, the men told Herod that they stopped His Star over Bethlehem, and it led them here.
Upon hearing the Messiah was born, Herod asked the men to go and find the child and let him know when they did.
But his plan wasn't to come and worship, but to kill Yeshua before He even grew up.
However, the men upon finding the almost two year old Yeshua and his family, leaving gifts fit for a king, upon a warning in a dream, the men did not return to Herod, but returned home another way.
Upon hearing the news, Herod, became enraged and that Autumn night (not Winter) ordered the murder of every baby boy two years old and younger.
The night air of Bethlehem was filled with the blood curling screams of babies being slain, mothers and fathers trying to protect their babies, many of these parents maybe dying as well.
The slaying of the innocent.
Since the Fall in Eden, our world has known evil, death and loss,evil and tragedy. The first murder, one brother killed another because "G-d liked Abel better." Eve holding the stone cold body of her baby, weeping over him as Adam dug his grave.
As I listen to the news these days, I think of the above.
No, I do not believe that is was G-d's will 27 people lost their lives that day. He allowed it; it is the down side of G-d giving us free-will. We are made in G-d's image and He has given us the freedom to decide how we will live, how we will act in the world. We have the ability to make moral choices. Free will is what separates us from animals. This is also the source of much pain in our lives, in our world. Each of us is capable of making selfish choices. Even evil choices. And whenever that happens, people get hurt. People die.
And I pray. I pray for the comfort of the families, for the little ones who saw teachers and friends die. I pray for G-d's comfort for the whole community of Newtown.
And I look up, to Heaven, knowing that is the Home of the innoce,nt knowing that one day evil will be done away with. Knowing that G-d weeps with us.

 

Nicholas of Mrya; Part 3

Shalom;
If Nicholas of Myra was born here in this past century, he would himself born amoung haters.
Santa Claus?????
Yes.

 Nicholas was born to a wealthy family in Patara, Lycia.
With all of the rich not paying their fair share, why would Nicholas fair today? How about tossing bags of gold into the windows of the poor? Would he be taxed on his giving? 
And instend of being thankful for the gift received, would the poor instead, accept it as their do and be mad becase he didn't give more?
Oh and he was a Bishop, head of the Church of Myra, during a time when there was no such thing as a separation of Church and State.
A humble man who used his wealth to serve others because of what his uncle and Church taught him.
 Upon his parents deaths, Nicholas inherited a considerable sum of money, but as I stated above, he kept none of it. He gave it away; to his church and to care for the poor.
One of the most famous stories about his life, upon learning that a poor man did not have the money for the dowries for his three daughters. In those days, a woman who was not married was often forced into prostitution. Nicholas, however did more than "pray for the needs" of this man and his daughters; he through bags of gold the windows, into the drying stockings of the girls, ensuring the girls having a better future.
Of course, there are the stories of Nicholas resurrecting these same girls after an innkeeper beheaded them and prickled their bodies in a tub of brine. Or children saved being thrown into a pot of boiling oil.
These stories are up there with the Boy Yeshua making clay birds he formed, come to life and fly away. Fanciful.
It is Nicholas’s reputation his generosity and kindness gave rise to  many of the legends of miracles he performed for the poor and unhappy.
I always find myself wondering what Nicholas of Myra, if he were alive today, what would he think of what has happen to his memory.
That he is no longer dressed in Bishop attire, but like a pirate, leading a team of eight rein-deer and given god-like status.
Would he approve of children given a mini mall of toys, all the while they are children around the world who are staring? That he really doesn't visit all the good boys and girls of the world; how many a Jewish, Muslim and Hindi child, who are good as gold, never receive a toy. They too sing about his coming to town and write letters.
Santa Claus doesn't come to their homes because they don't believe in him.
Belief would no have matter to Nicholas; if there was a need, if it was in his means, Nicholas would meet it.
I frankly prefer Nicholas to Santa.
Thank you mummie, for teaching me about the real Saint Nicholas. I can only hope and pray my son is teaching my grandsons about this amazing man.

 

Nicholas of Myra Part 2

Shalom:
As a child, his was a name I knew well.
Saint Nicholas of Myra.
My mother called him the"spirit of giving, which is the true meaning of x-mas."
Yet, until the past few years, with rare exceptions like myself, most people have never heard of Nicholas of Myra.
Who?
Nicholas of Myra. Better known as St. Nicholas.
Oh Santa Claus...
Ah, hmmmm....
Many believe that  St. Nicholas existed only in legend, without any reliable historical record. Or worse, made up by greedy merchants to make a killing during the x-mas season.
However, legends are usually created out of of real, actual events, though embellished to make more interesting stories.
 St. Nicholas is such a case. Many of the stories about this man are truths interwoven with imagination. However, the fact is Nicholas of Myra is indeed a real person and is nothing like the Jolly Ole Elf known as Santa Claus.
In fact, not only would Nicholas be the first to cry foul to how he has been used to promote this this greed driven holiday, but even the myths made up about him.
Nicholas, if you need a good lawyer, I know one.
 Though the exact date is not known, it is believed that Nicholas was born between AD 260 and 280. The place, Patara, can be historically grounded.
While a Saint in the Catholic Church, Nicholas is also revered among Anglican, Lutherans and Eastern Orthodox Christians.
Right here in Virgina Beach, there is a church dedicated to Saint Nicholas, but in many places around the world, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian and Lutheran churches are named in his honour.
I once knew a rabbi, who told me that Saint Nicholas, known for his compassion for the poor, is a role model for all mankind, not just christians.
My mother told me that Nicholas was born a wealthy man, yet gave his wealth to care for the poor. My step-father told me that Saint Nicholas is the  Patron Saint of Sailors, a Nun told me he was the Patron Saint of children.
But it was in Jr. High school, when doing a school report that I would learn he was the Patron Saint of, merchants, archers, pirates (thus the pirate-like red suit), and pawnbrokers. In some countries in Europe, he is the Patron Saint of students.
That makes Saint Nick one busy guy.
While there are those who argue St. Nicholas existed only in legend, he is make-believe, a fairytale  and worse, a lie told to children, who grow up doubting the existing even of G-d after they find out their parents lied to them.
As a lover of liliterature, I know that legends tend to grow out of real, actual events, though often be embellished to make more interesting stories. Many of the St. Nicholas stories have been interwoven with imagination. But just because fairy stories have been mingled with truth, it doesn't mean that there wasn't a real man name Nicholas.

 

Nicholas of Myra Part 1

Shalom:
This week I would like to share the truth about the Man Named St. Nicholas.
And does a good Jewish girl like you know about St. Nicholas?
Plenty.
What I know about St. Nicholas can be sumed up in this poem;

Santa Claus and St. Nicholas
Everybody loves Santa Claus. He embodies holiday cheer, happiness, fun, and gifts—warm happy aspects of the Christmas season. How do Santa Claus and St. Nicholas differ?

Santa Claus belongs to childhood;
St. Nicholas models for all of life.

Santa Claus, as we know him, developed to boost Christmas sales—the commercial Christmas message;
St. Nicholas told the story of Christ and peace, goodwill toward all—the hope-filled Christmas message.

Santa Claus encourages consumption;
St. Nicholas encourages compassion.

Santa Claus appears each year to be seen and heard for a short time;
St. Nicholas is part of the communion of saints, surrounding us always with prayer and example.

Santa Claus flies through the air—from the North Pole;
St. Nicholas walked the earth—caring for those in need.

Santa Claus, for some, replaces the Babe of Bethlehem;
St. Nicholas, for all, points to the Babe of Bethlehem.

Santa Claus isn't bad;
St. Nicholas is just better.
.  J Rosenthal & C. Myers

May G-d Comfort All those Left to Mourn

May His illustrious name become increasingly great and holy In the world that He created according to His will, and may he establish His kingdom In your lifetime and in your days and in the lifetime of all the house of Israel Speedily and soon. And say amen May His illustrious name be blessed always and forever. Blessed, praised, glorified, exalted, extolled Honoured, raised up and acclaimed be the name of the Holy one blessed be He beyond every blessing hymn, praise and consolation that is uttered in the world. And let us say amen May abundant peace from heaven, and life-- Be upon us and upon all Israel, And say amen May He who makes peace in his high places Make peace upon us and upon all Israel, And say amen

Yitgadal veyitkadash shemey raba Be'olma di'vera chir'utey veyamlich malchutey Bechayeychon u'veyameychon u'vechayey di chol beyt yisrael Ba'agala u'vizman kariv ve'imru amen Yehey sh'mey raba mevorach le'olam u'le'olmey olmaya Yitbarach ve'yishtabach ve'yitpa'ar ve'yitromam ve'yitnasey Ve'yithadar ve'yit'aleh ve'yiythalal she'mey dikudsha b'rich hu Le'ela min kol birchata ve'shirata tushbechata ve'nechemata Da'amiran be'olma ve'imru amen Yehey sh'lama raba min shemaya ve'chayim Aleynu ve'al kol yisrael ve'imru amen O'seh shalom bimromav hu ya'aseh shalom aleynu ve'al kol yisrael ve'imru amen

A Hanukkah Story

Shalom;
One more Hanukkah story, this one is from the book of Luke, the Aramaic Bible:

"Gabriel the Angel was sent from the presence of God to Galilee to the city whose name was Nazareth, 27To a virgin who was engaged to a man from the house of David, whose name was Yoseph, and the name of the virgin was Maryam. 28The Angel entered her presence, and he said to her, “Peace to you, full of grace, our Lord is with you; you are blessed among women.” 29But when she saw him, she was alarmed at his word, and she was wondering, “What is this greeting?” 30And the Angel said to her, “Do not fear, Maryam, for you have found favor with God, 31For behold, you shall conceive and you shall give birth to a son, and you shall call his name Yeshua. 32This One will be great and he will be called The Son of The Highest and THE LORD JEHOVAH will give to him the throne of David his father, 33And he will reign over the house of Jaqob eternally and to his Kingdom there will not be an end.” 34Maryam said to the Angel, “How will this be, for no man has known me?” 35The Angel answered and said to her, “The Spirit of Holiness shall come and the power of The Highest shall rest upon you, therefore he who shall be begotten in you shall be holy and he shall be called the Son of God.” 36“And behold, Elizabeth your cousin also has conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her, who is called barren,” 37“Because nothing is difficult for God.” 38Maryam said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of THE LORD JEHOVAH; let it be done to me according to your word”, and the Angel departed from her. "
Yeshua wasn't born in December. We can indeed pinpoint His birth to the Feast of Succoth. Which means, Miryam (Maryam) conceived He would be Messiah the Festival of Hanukkah.
Given that Yeshua HaMessiah Himself said "I AM the Light of the World," how fitting that the Light would enter the body of a teenage girl during the Celebration of Lights.

Hanuakkah:Sharing the Light

Shalom:
On this the 8th night of Hanukkah, I wanted to share the stories and pictures of my friends who have gracious shared their Hanukkah....

Hanukkah is a time of reflection to me.. at time to go before the Most High and thank Him for all of the Miracles and Wonders and renew me, cleanse me, a re-dedication. To me it is very personal time with Him...
Shoshana Thompsen Hedinger

The first night of Hanukkah, with the Dumas Family.

The Hanukkah table of Cheryl Perry-Lewis.

 

"My favourite Hanukkah, the kippah Laini made me for our first Hanukkah.

Hanukkah with our g-daughter, Lan.
For me, Hanukkah reminds me of quiet miracles, of the miracle that my people survived yet another attempt to wipe us out. A time when as a baby I was quite sick and yet survived. A time when I prayed over the eight burning Hanukkah for the healing of my beloved Mark as he battled cancer.
For despite all we went through this year as a couple, we have survived to see another Hanukkah together.
Next year, G-d willing, another Reel will be able to share the Hanukkah lights, making the world just a little brighter.

The Following Day

The following day was Friday, and little Chaim washed early and changed for Shabbat, so he could be with the Chanukah Lights the moment they were kindled. He watched his father light the Chanukah Lights and then he watched his mother light the Shabbat candles. Now Chaim drew up a chair and sat down to accompany the Chanukah Lights.
Sure enough, he could hear the familiar voice of the First Light: "Good Shabbos and Happy Chanukah! I am glad to see you again. This is my younger sister. Say ‘Hello’ to the little boy."
"Hello," the Second Light said, making a graceful curtsy. "I know a wonderful story. Would you like to hear it?"
"I most certainly do," replied little Chaim. "Please, do tell it to me."
"Well," the Second Chanukah Light began, "Yehuda Maccabee led that little band of faithful Jews from victory to victory. Do you know what "guerilla warfare" is? It’s the kind of war that a small number of people wages against big odds. Yehuda and his men did just that. Hiding in caves or lying in ambush, they would suddenly attack the enemy from the rear, or in the middle of the night. Although greatly outnumbered, they succeeded in routing the enemy every time.
Antiochus was bursting with rage. He sent one big army after another to capture Yehuda and destroy his followers, but each time his generals failed. Finally Antiochus sent his best general, Lysias, with a huge army of infantry and cavalry and armored chariots.
Yehuda addressed his handful of brave warriors: "Today we are put to our greatest test," he said. "But have no fear, for it isn’t our weapons that defeated the enemy in the past, but our faith in G-d. They come in chariots and rely upon their might, but we come in the name of G-d and He will fight on our side."
Calling unto G-d and sounding their trumpets, Yehuda and his valiant followers flung themselves upon the enemy. Seeing Yehuda at the head of his men, looking like an angel of G-d, the Syrian warriors became terrified. Their whole army was thrown into terrible confusion, and they began to fight one another. Those who escaped the sword took to their heels, hotly pursued by Yehuda and his men.
It was a wonderful miracle indeed, and the victory was complete and overwhelming. Yehuda’s first thought was to free Jerusalem and dedicate the Holy Temple, so that the Jews could once again worship G-d in peace and security.
When the goal was finally achieved and Yehuda, at the head of his men, entered the Holy Temple, it was a sorry sight that met their eyes. Everything had been defiled and desecrated by the vandals. For a moment the spirit of triumph deserted them, and they stood there motionless, tears streaming down their cheeks.
"No time for grief!" Yehuda called. "Let’s clean up and dedicate our Holy Temple! Everybody get busy!"
"Now we shall light the Menorah with its seven lights!" Yehuda announced when the Temple had been thoroughly cleansed. But alas! There was no pure, sacred olive oil to light it with, for everything had been defiled by the enemy. Searching again and again, they finally discovered one little cruse of oil that still bore the seal of the High Priest. Chanting Psalms to G-d for their deliverance, they kindled the Menorah and dedicated the Holy Temple in the year 3622 after Creation.
It was on the 25th of Kislev, the very day the Temple had been desecrated by the enemy, that the Dedication of the Temple was celebrated. But that was not all. Wonder of wonders! The little oil that was expected to last but one day lasted eight days, until new olive oil could be prepared for the Menorah. Here was a clear demonstration that G-d’s miracles were beyond human understanding.
"This is where my part of the story ends," said the candle. "Tomorrow my younger sister will tell you another story of heroism. Now, you run along to Shul and be sure to be with us again tomorrow."

Excerpted from The Complete Story of Chanukah by Dr Nissan Mindel, published by Kehot

Many Years Ago

Shalom:
Today I wish to share with you one of my favorite Hanukkah stories, entitled: Many Years Ago.

Many years ago, began the First Chanukah Light, the Jews lived in the Land of Israel. They had no king at that time, for their king was G-d, the King of kings. Unfortunately many Jews stopped serving G-d, and so they soon found themselves in the servitude of a human king. But he was not human at all, for he was a tyrant, and very, very cruel. His name was Antiochus, and he reigned in the neighboring land of Syria. So powerful was he, that no one could stop him from doing the most wicked things. Antiochus decided to make all Jews worship idols. He sent officers and soldiers throughout the Land of Israel to enforce the laws and customs of his land. The Jews were forbidden to worship G-d in their own way, or keep any other of their most sacred customs and laws. The Holy Temple in Jerusalem was defiled and stripped of its beautiful sacred golden vessels. Anyone who dared to disobey the king was immediately put to death.
Days of terror and persecution followed. Then the Jews realized that their own wrongdoing had brought the trouble upon them. They began to mend their ways, and were resolved to die rather than give up their religion. Even little boys like you cheerfully faced cruel death and scorned a life of luxury as a heathen. Then G-d said, "My children have now suffered enough. I will rescue them!"
It was an old man, frail in body but a giant in spirit, who first raised the banner of revolt against the all-powerful king Antiochus. His name was Mattityahu the Hasmonean.
In the little peaceful village of Modin, Mattityahu lived with his five sons. When the king’s officer with a company of men came to his village to force the Jews to worship idols, old Mattityahu grabbed the officer’s sword and slew him. He called upon his sons and brethren to follow his example, and they pounced upon the vandals and slew most of them. The rest fled in terror to tell the king.
Old Mattityahu with his faithful followers withdrew to the hills. From there Mattityahu sent a message to all his brethren: "Let all faithful to G-d follow me!" and the band of followers who were ready to offer their lives for their faith grew daily.
One day Mattityahu gathered his friends around him, and said to them: "I feel that my last day is drawing near. Let my son Yehuda lead you to victory against the enemies of G-d. Though you may be greatly outnumbered, despair not, and put your faith in G-d. Remember our father Abraham who preferred to be thrown into the burning furnace rather than be unfaithful to G-d! Remember also Pinchas who risked his life for the sanctification of G-d’s name! Remember Eliyahu the Prophet who stood up alone against the false prophets! He who answered them in their hour of peril shall answer you now. Fear not, but put your faith in G-d. G-d bless you and watch over you."
Soon after, Mattityahu passed away, sadly mourned by all Jews. The Jews now looked to Yehuda Maccabee to lead and guide them, and Yehuda was determined to live up to the reputation of his priestly family.
The Chanukah Light paused. The oil had run low, but the little flame struggled, almost desperately. "My time is up" she said. "Please be sure to be with us tomorrow. Happy Chanukah

A Hanukkah Poem

Shalom:

While enjoying my morning coffee, I read this poem on face book. It was posted by a friend, a nine year old boy's view of Hanukkah.
"Out of the mouths of babes..."
What Hanukkah does not mean to me:
Hanukkah does not mean x-boxes or Wi game systems;
Hanukkah does not mean tons of presents waiting for me at home;
Hanukkah does not mean chocolate candy or gelt;
Hanukkah does not mean getting jealous about seeing Christmas trees;
Hanukkah is a miracle of lights.
We celebrate the light that exists inside every Jew.
  The light started with Abraham, who passed the light to Isaac, who passed the light to Jacob, who passed the light to Joseph and his brothers, who passed the light to Moses and the Israelites in Egypt and so on until the light finally reached me.
 And one day I will pass on the light that exists inside every Jew to my children. That is what Hanukkah means to me.

Hanukkah Humour

Hanukkahs Memories

Shalom:

So if you have followed our blog for any length of time, you know by now, Mark and I love Hanukkah.
It is more than the food, the fun and the fellowship, but a holy day we have celebrated together since Hanukkah 2002.
We celebrated our first Hanukkah together just before he was deployed to Iraq.
2003 would find me mailing Hanukkah cookies to Mark, still in Iraq.
2004, Hanukkah came the second week of Mark's Chemo treatment. This year, I taught Mark how to make latkes, Cajun fried chicken and salmon cakes for the holidays. He later told me this is when he really wanted to ask me to marry him, but with his battling cancer, he didn't know what the future held.
Until I reminded him the future isn't promise to any of us. I just wanted whatever time G-d would give us together.
2005, Hanukkah came six months after we were married and we celebrated this Festival of Lights with Mark's uncle and aunt. It was an amazing time to celebrate with family. We even went out for Chinese food :)
With a home of our own, Mark and I would start hosting Hanukkah parties, the only time we didn't is when Mark was deployed twice more. Twice again I found myself baking Hanukkah cookies and mailing off Hanukkah gift. The fun of receiving gifts from overseas; the only thing better would have been for Mark to deliever them himself.

Hanukkah this year is very different. Not just because we don't have money to exchange gifts, but because all of the trappings from Hanukkahs past are still packed up and the box lost to us. I can't even find my cookie cutters.
So the past few nights, as we lit our made shift Hanukkiah, Mark and I share the story of Hanukkah; both of days gone by and the 10 we have celebrated as a couple.
Creating yet another sweet memory.

What is Hanukkah?

Happy Hanukkah

Chag Sameach Hanukkah
(Happy Hanukkah)

Tonight is the second night of Hanukkah.
And already it has been an interesting few days.
We are still going through the garage where our things are stored. Sadly, the quilt I had started for my little niece was amoung the things ruined.
We have not been able to find our big box of Hanukkah things, so I had to become created with the Hanukkiah.
The menorah is the seven branch lamp one finds in many a Jewish home. It is the smaller venison of the Lamp Stand spoken of in scripture. The menorah is also the national symbol of Israel.
For Hanukkah, however, we use an eight branch candelabrum for the Festival of Lights known as a Hanukkiah. This candelabrum also has added space for another candle, known as the shamash (servant). This is the candle we use to light the others.
So, with our hanukkiahs MIA, I had to become created. I pulled out all of my Shabbat candle stick holders and laying a white table cloth over a dinner tray, I placed nine candle sticks on the table, in front of our fireplace.
Against the red background of the fireplace, the small altar has taken on a soft, holy glow. Simple, yet elegant. Like the Holy Temple itself.
After saying the blessings and singing the songs, we just stood there, glazing at the soft candle lights, not speaking above a whisper.
The scenes remind me of the very first Hanukkah. As the priest found the Holy Temple defiled, they worked hard to clean it, to restore her back to her holy purpose and state. To rededicate the Holy Temple to her G-d.
That is the meaning of Hanukkah: Feast of Dedication or Rededication. The dedication of our homes, hearts, our lives to G-d. To remove those things that defile our bodies and souls, our homes. The Holy Place had been defiled by unclean men who knew not the G-d of Israel nor cared. Who, by offering swine on the very altar, knew the priest would never return to this place to worship. The scent of unclean men and swine blood still hung in the air.
What it in our lives that we must rid ourselves during this holy time?
Mark and I stared at the burning candles, rededicating ourselves to each other and to our Creator.
I am still looking at the lights.
 

More Pictures from Williamsburg

Shalom:
As you can see, I a learning how to create movies on my laptop.
And it is so cool!
So this is the second slide show I did, this time it is from Merchant's Square, the shopping center of Williamsburg. Including Carolers from William and Mary, The Christmas Carol and a few other touches that capture the favour of the season.
Enjoy.

Master Thespian's A Christmas Carol

Shalom:

Amoung the activities Mark and I enjoyed during our outing in Williamsburg, was Street Theatre.
Thanks to the Virginia Machine, we were treated to  a Master Thespian's A Christmas Carol.  We had the honour of being part of this  extravaganza as Master Thespian attempts the gruelling and stage defying act of recreating Dickens’s classic tale of redemption.
  In under 30 minutes!
 Master Thespian (Ed Whitacre)  will put himself in psychological harms way as he exposes his inner soul to the full range of emotions needed to transport his audience from laughter to pity to shock to love to despair to hope.  And the audience gets to share this madness of managing lights, sound, sets, props, puppets, costumes, along with special-effects.

Mark and I had a first row seat (we were really standing) to this hilarious 30 minute play which aims is to get the performance in under twenty minutes. Included in this feat, are two children and an adult pulled out from the audience.

(Scrooge with the Ghost of Christmas Past.)
If you happen to be in Merchants Square, you have got to stop and with a cup of hot coco, watch this show. Since the show is outside, if the weather is bad, of course there is no show. It is a two man show and I am frankly quite impressed at the magic these two pull off.

(Jacob Marley)

The show is fast pace and a laugh a second. I love how the song Yesterday got woven into the story as Scrooge recounts how he lost the love of his love.
This is the 5th year of A Christmas Carol being performed in Williamburg and from the size of the crowds, it appears to be one of the beloved events of the season.

 

A Tour of Williamsburg

Shalom:
This is a brief video I put together with some of the pictures we took this weekend.

Enjoy

Shalom:
One of the signature experiences of Colonial Williamsburg is the carriage ride. It has got to be the best way to tour the restored colonial capital city.

Mark and I have yet to take a carriage ride through the Historic Area. Either the rides were sold out. Or, like this weekend, we didn't have the money to hire a carriage.
Because, that is what you are doing. Similar to our taxi service, the carriage ride was the 18th century taxi service.

This coach woman took a few minutes to speak to me. In 1775, only men drove coaches. How far we have come. She told me that not only did she had the best seat in the house, but the best job; she got along with her co-workers and they didn't talk behind her back.

If one had the means, one could hire ones own coach. The coach man came along with the coach and horses, of course.

As if on clue, this gentleman and his lady appeared, preparing to attend one of the holiday parties.

But they were kind enough to stop and allow me to take a picture.
Aren't they a handsome couple?

Christmas Comes To Williamsburg Part 3

Shalom:

So here Mark and I are, standing in front of the lovely homes. Every building is decked with greenery, so the air is scented with warm apple cider and pine.
We couldn't find the hot cider.
And we really didn't need it; the weather was just too warm.

Hmmm, no one is home.

We even got to meet the Town Crier, who was kind enough to inform us of all the activities in the City that Shabbat morning.
Mark and I have decided that since we spend so much time in Williamsburg, it is time for us to start working on the proper clothing. I have found some period patterns online.
Now, we just have to come up with the funds to make the clothes.
This should be fun.

Christmas Comes to Williamsburg, Part 2

Shalom:
While we didn't take Monti with us in this trip, we are planning to take our little guy next Spring, when the weather is warmer.
One of the things I love about Colonial Williamsburg is that it is dog friendly:

This is Tiffany. Isn't she a beauty?

A beautiful Collie, Grace

Can you imagine the food bill for these two cuties?

Christmas Comes To Williamsburge Part 1

Shalom:
Yesterday was a very special shabbat.
After dropping Monti off at his aunt Lilly's, Mark and I headed for Williamsburge.

It has been a little over a year since we have visited one of our favourite places, so we decided to spend this shabbat there.
It was an amazing day to visit Colonial Williamsburge; a warm, almost Indian Summer day. Warm for this time of year, but for touring Christmas homes of the 1770s, it was perfect.

 We are often asked about Jews here in Virginia history. Though we haven't found much, we do now that the Jewish presence in colonial Virginia was slight. It was the other southern colonies, particularly Georgia and the Carolinas, had large numbers of Jews among their early settlers.
 Forty-two Jewish immigrants to Savannah established Congregation Mickve Israel in 1733, and Charleston Jews founded Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim in 1750. While visiting Charleston a few years ago, Mark and I stopped at Kadosh Beth Elohim and learn of her history.
I shall have to share that story one day.
Virginia's first permanent synagogue community, Kehilah ha Kadosh Beth Shalome in Richmond, coalesced after the Revolution, in 1789, but it is considered one of six colonial Jewish congregations along with others in Philadelphia, Newport, Savannah, and Charleston.
Given that Hanukkah, like most Jewish holy days are celebrated in the home, I really don't think there is much difference in how Hanukkah is now as it was then.

The decorations of the holidays are simple and made from things on hand; pine cones and wildflowers. Many are made from seasonal fruits.

And when the holiday is over, you can still eat the fruit.