The recently concluded week before Thanksgiving gave my Ohio family the opportunity to fly out of town and reunite with relatives on the East Coast for both a simcha (joyous celebration) and an unveiling ceremony (memorial following the one-year anniversary of the death of my beloved Aunt Becky).
With gratitude for sharing those occasions with family, my thoughts shifted to the month of Kislev, which brings preparations for Hanukkah.
As winter approaches, each day becomes colder and darker, and the change can be disconcerting. Although we prepare for the joy of Hanukkah during this time, we experience a reduction of light in our days, which evokes somber emotions.
We look forward to the traditional latkes (potato pancakes) or sufganiot (fried donuts), festive songs and feelings of warmth and comfort that the season brings. We celebrate the joy of a home with loved ones, but we also commemorate the history of our ancient Temple that after being destroyed was rededicated. We search for value and meaning in these moments.
