Find all posts in this 8-part Berkshire Chanukah series HERE.
Tonight we’ll light the eighth and final candle on our Chanukah menorah, bringing to a conclusion these “8 crazy nights,” to quote the great Adam Sandler. The real gift of an eight-day festival is the opportunity to do SO many different things to celebrate: candle lighting with friends and family, competitive games of dreidel with a big pot of gelt (chocolate coins) at stake, gift-giving and receiving… and don’t forget the food! After eight days of fried delicacies like latkes and jelly doughnuts, chocolate coins and sweets — a salad is starting to sound like a good idea. For families, Chanukah can be a time of great excitement and energy and joy, but after eight nights of celebrations, you might be feeling a little Chanukah burn-out (no pun intended).
On behalf of all of us at Hevreh of Southern Berkshire, we present you with:
8 Chanukah Gifts to Take into the New Year
- You can always light up the darkness. All it takes is one spark to light a flame that can illuminate the faces of those we love, and remind us that there is much goodness in the world.
- Bravery and courage look different for each person; the real message of Judah Macabee isn’t that might makes right, but that each of us should stand up for what we believe in.
- Know that if you slow down, light a candle and say a blessing, you might just feel a little bit of peace and calm in an otherwise tumultuous world.
- Remember that the joy of family is amplified when we celebrate with rituals and traditions that link us to something bigger (and more ancient!) than ourselves.
- Fried things are delicious.Treat yourself from time to time.
- Being playful (and even a little competitive) can be good for the soul.
- Gifts don’t always come in neat little packages tied up with a ribbon: giving someone your time, care and attention is often the most valuable gift you can give.
- Miracles can happen, even today: we just have to be open to seeing them.
Wishing you and your family a sweet and happy 8th night of Chanukah!
Rabbi Jodie Gordon and the entire Hevreh community
