Happy Hannukah!

Happy Hannukah (Chanukah)! The "Festival of Lights" 2011 commenced last evening at sunset and will conclude December 28. This festival commemorates the triumph of light over darkness, especially during the rule of the Seleucids over God's people.

After delivering the land from the evildoers, the faithful cleansed the Temple and rededicated it to the service of Israel's God. The return of God's light was symbolized by the lighting of the Temple's menorah. In order to accomplish this feat, the priests took a single cruse of oil and acted as if it were enough. Miraculously for eight nights, the lights burned until a "clean" supply of oil could be secured.

Worshippers have continued to celebrate that miracle by lighting a nine-branched candelabrum over successive nights. Other holy day customs include playing with the dreidel. This spinning top or toy with its Hebrew lettering reminds the faithful: "a great miracle happened there."

Holiday foods include potato pancakes and donuts. Gifts for the children are referred to as Chanukah gelt (money)

At the heart of the observances is the reading of the Hallel. Psalms 113-118 cheer the heart of the faithful now as then.

Happy Hannukah!