Image: A lit chanukiah (esbeitz / Pixabay)
This Hanukkah is a special one: we’ve all been stuck with the horrors of pandemic for SO long that the pleasures of this little holiday are especially sweet. The pleasures add up to two things, sweetness and light. I’d like to offer you one thing to DO and one to NOT DO to increase the joy of this week.
To DO: Join me for the “Eight Days of Light & Learning” with HaMakom | The Place. HaMakom (formerly Lehrhaus Judaica) is where I grew up as a Jew: I took Intro there, I learned Hebrew there, and now I teach there. For Hanukkah we are offering a short program each night at 7pm (Pacific) with a little bit of learning, a little bit of light, and a little bit of silly happiness. It’s free to all, and I hope you will join us. All you have to do is follow the link above and register to get the Zoom link. (P.S. – I am teaching on Sunday night.)
To NOT DO: The darkness and confusion of conspiracy theories has been a plague upon us during the election and the coronavirus crisis. Please do your part by refusing to pass on far-out theories, even as something to laugh about. If something seems intriguing, check it out with Snopes.com or some other fact-checking site. Be skeptical, especially if the “news” excites you: that’s how these things spread.
Chag Urim Sameach! Happy Feast of Lights!
This time next year, we will hug our cousins and gather to celebrate. This year, we will gather online. Chag Hannukah sameach!
A welcome insight, i will try to join in tonight and follow the next few nights, we are having a great Channukah, First night we lit candles, ate and then watched Mortal Enginge, quite a movie and worth the time. Then last night we had finger food, lit candles and watched 2001 A Space oddessy…they boys were enthralled with the pictures and the youngest loved the music. Happy Channukah! I really appreciate you and all that you do to keep us all focused!Shalom,Leah
—————————————–
Leah, we’d love to have you! Chanukah sameach!
I’m so glad your Hanukkah has been a good one!