A few of questions I was asked during my conversion process:

The historical events commemorated at Chanukah:

The Macabee’s (a.k.a. Hasmoneans) led the Jews to victory freeing them to worship their own way. In 167 B.C.E. the Syrian Emperor, Antiochus wanted to destroy Judaism. When they saw the Temple’s degradation they immediately decided to rebuild it to a state of ritual purity. After this was completed they found one cruse of uncontaminated olive oil for one day. The Jews knew it would take 8 days to prepare ritually permitted oil. But, then a miracle happened and the oil that was to last only 1 day continued to burn for 8 days.


What does a Chanukah Menorah symbolize?

A Chanukah Menorah is a candelabrum, with 8 openings for candles and a 9th opening that is elevated and known as the Shemash. The Shemash candle is lit first and lights the other candles. The Menorah should be placed near a window for everyone to see. This is done to let people who pass by know the miracle of oil lasting for 8 days.


How would I respond to the Jewish family who displays a Christmas tree in their home?

I don’t have a problem with Christmas trees. In this day and age there are many interfaith families. If I want people to be respectful of my beliefs then I need to be respectful of others. When I have a tree it is decorated with Winnie the Pooh ornaments because I collect “Pooh” items. There is no sentimental meaning attached to a Christmas for me.

So, what are my thoughts one year later...

I enjoy Chanukah in fact tonight will be the second night of Chanukah. I enjoy lighting the candles and chanting the prayers each night. I turn off all the lights and just sit and meditate until the candles burn out. I have 2 candle menorahs and I light them both. I also have an activity menorah geared for kids and I bring that out too. In fact, my menorahs are displayed all year long on my mantle. I don't get into buying presents but then I don't have kids (unless you count my dogs). I have bought presents for a friend of mine's kids if I'm going to see them over the holidays. I would hate for Chanukah to get as commercialized as Christmas. I don't know if it is over in Israel but I only hope not. I see so many people who celebrate Christmas and they are stressed out and the holidays should not be that way. At the same time I believe if you allow yourself to stress over buying presents and making sure you keep up with the neighbors then you have nobody to blame but yourself. Last year I went to the Dollar Store and bought all my nieces and nephews their Christmas gifts. Whether or not they liked what they got I have no idea but they also have more things than they need. This year I'm making their gifts and I have no doubt that most will end up in the garbage. But somebody needs to start letting them know that it's the thought and meaning behind the gift that is important and not the gift itself.

I have talked with rabbis who either don't believe in the story behind Chanukah or dislike the holiday itself because of the gift giving. I'm baffled why these rabbis don't believe in the story behind Chanukah. I have no doubts that we don't know the entire story of everything but I do believe in my heart that these events happened especially with the oil for the candle. As for the gift giving all I can say is it is what you make of it. If you get caught up in the gift giving and don't like it then change things.

So for me and my house I'll just keep giving my dogs an extra treat each night of Chanukah as I light the candles and say the prayers.