Hanukkah--Part I

It’s Hanukkah! [after consulting with many sources and rabbis, I have come to the conclusion that the presented spelling is the most appropriate].

What does that mean? It’s Hanukkah. It’s America. Those two together usually mean that Christmas is not far behind and that Hallmark and other corporate entities capitalize on the proximity of the two holidays. For all the fuss though, Hanukkah is actually considered minor holiday in Judaism. Minor vs major is usually separated by the level of work restrictions; there are no restrictions for this one. Greeting cards specifically for Hanukkah are almost becoming commonplace. Even Wal-mart and Safeway (and their cousin stores) sell Hanukkiot and the appropriate 45/pk of candles in traditional blue/white design. Gelt and latkes mix stocks the shelves in the kosher section of the grocery.

I find that the commercialization of these “Eight crazy nights” some how trivializes them. The games associated with the celebration as so much more than gambling. The foods so much more than tasty. The blessings so much more than words. The days so much than a celebration.

Eight parts for eight nights? We’ll see.