The Festival of Lights

The 22nd of this month marks the beginning of Chanukah, a Jewish holiday that lasts eight days and is celebrated at different times in December each year. A minor holiday, as Jewish holidays go, it nevertheless is one many Jews enjoy the most. (More about this later.)

For those unfamiliar with this festive occasion, Chanukah celebrates the victory of a vastly outnumbered and poorly-armed Jewish army against their demonstrably superior Greek oppressors. Driving the Greeks from their land, Jews were now able to reclaim and re-dedicate their Temple in Jerusalem.

Also known as the Festival of Lights, (see link to story below) we celebrate with a nightly lighting of the menorah, special prayers, and fried foods. Sometimes jelly donuts but more often potato latkes!!! As a blue-ribbon winner in a blind taste test among sibling rivals some years ago, I continue to make them for family and friends.

One more reason to like Chanukah is the special games that children play and the tradition of exchanging small presents on each night the candles are lit. No wonder I always look forward to Chanukah!

To learn more about the story of Chanukah click here:

https://www.almanac.com/content/when-is-hanukkah

Want to know why Potato Latkes are worth singing about? Click here:

https://youtu.be/fg51la8Yayc Chanukah

Enjoy,

Jeff Rubin

P.S. Enjoy shopping at the Wisdom of Age store.