Mags N Brei <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >Subject: finding light in the darkness > >When the the glory of the setting sun is >laid to rest this evening, signifying the first night >of Hanukkah, I will place our menorah in the window >and listen as Brian sings the traditional blessings. > >The Jewish festival of Hanukkah begins at sundown with >the lighting of the first candle on the menorah, and it >continues until sunset December 17th. It is the beginning >of the eight day festival of lights. > >One additional candle is lit each evening, using a >candle called the shamash to light the candles. There are >nine candles in total, the shamash, (the helper) and eight other >candles,one for each night. The candles are lit from right to left just >as Hebrew is read from right to left. > >The holiday is celebrated beginning on the 25th day >of the month of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar, which >is currently in the year 5762. > >The Hebrew word Hanukkah means dedication. The >people rededicated their temple after many of the >beautiful furnishings had been destroyed. > >The Jewish soldiers and Judah Macabaeus, who led them >into the resistance after the death of his father Mattathias, >cleaned the temple. They wanted to prepare a big celebration >for the rededication. > >They searched everywhere for oil to light the menorah, which >by tradition was kept lighted at all times. But they could find >only enough oil to light the menorah for one day. > >According to the traditional story, a miracle happened and the oil >lasted for eight days - the time it took to produce more oil. > >This is one of the many ways that Brian and I >integrate our lives and our love for each another, >as we continue along our life long journey together. > >It is my honour and privilege to be included in this >beloved ritual that is an integral part of my Brian's life, >heart, soul, and spirit. > >thank you to Brian and to our beloved brother Wally's >touching post within which he shares >how he celebrates this special time of year. > >It is with love and respect that I honour this special tradition. > >always and always, >Mags >xoxox >
and Wally Kairuz <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >Subject: RE: [Fwd: finding light in the darkness] > >today they lit the second candle on the giant menorah that the city >government has erected on the corner of the street where i live. >i thought of the hanukah miracle and i prayed for my country to survive the > >terrible days ahead. >wallyK, waiting for the third candle to be lit. And I write: Although not Jewish, I like the holiday of Hanukkah because it is about religious freedom and national self-determination. Happy Hanukkah to all! Tim Spong Dover, Del., U.S.A. _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp
