A Personal Hanukah Message for 2005
Hanukah, unlike other holidays for Jews, is not one mandated by the Torah. It is a time for family, celebration, and light as we recall the days of past and the Story of Hanukah and the oil for lighting the menorah.
This year, Hanukah is quite different for our family.When the children were young, I used to go into their classrooms each and every year and give a talk about Hanukah. I would read a book, light the menorah, and speak about its meaning. We would also gather together as a family, as well as with friends. This year, Hanukah is not the same. Our son is in Hawaii, some relatives have been ill, some are gone, and others are scattered across the globe, busy with their own lifes. If I had to sum up the meaning of Hanukah this year for me it would be one word: lonely.
Judaism is a religion of community. For example, it takes a certain number of individuals (some say only men) ,to make up a minyan and pray together. It is all about togetherness, friends, family and even strangers.
For some reason, having lost my father, my son being gone, and my daughter still recovering from her illness, Hanukah feels like a time when we are alone today. Nevertheless, I still light the menorah, (this year, I am lighting two to bring as much light as possible inside the house), make the latkes, and even play the dreidal game alone, or with my husband and daughter if they find the interest.
When we feel alone, it is truly the case that we must find comfort and peace in God, which is something in my heart and soul each and every day. Nevertheless, having a community and a few people around would be a nice, joyful and kind touch as well.
Hanukah is not an unhappy time. It is a joy to see the candles lit each and every night, and to think about the story of the oil and its meaning. I too have much to be thankful for this time of year including the fact that my daughter being home, for my husband here, my new job, which resumes in January, and other good in my life. It just feels lonely.
Wishing everyone a healthy and a happy Hanukah.
Thank you for your minds.
This year, Hanukah is quite different for our family.When the children were young, I used to go into their classrooms each and every year and give a talk about Hanukah. I would read a book, light the menorah, and speak about its meaning. We would also gather together as a family, as well as with friends. This year, Hanukah is not the same. Our son is in Hawaii, some relatives have been ill, some are gone, and others are scattered across the globe, busy with their own lifes. If I had to sum up the meaning of Hanukah this year for me it would be one word: lonely.
Judaism is a religion of community. For example, it takes a certain number of individuals (some say only men) ,to make up a minyan and pray together. It is all about togetherness, friends, family and even strangers.
For some reason, having lost my father, my son being gone, and my daughter still recovering from her illness, Hanukah feels like a time when we are alone today. Nevertheless, I still light the menorah, (this year, I am lighting two to bring as much light as possible inside the house), make the latkes, and even play the dreidal game alone, or with my husband and daughter if they find the interest.
When we feel alone, it is truly the case that we must find comfort and peace in God, which is something in my heart and soul each and every day. Nevertheless, having a community and a few people around would be a nice, joyful and kind touch as well.
Hanukah is not an unhappy time. It is a joy to see the candles lit each and every night, and to think about the story of the oil and its meaning. I too have much to be thankful for this time of year including the fact that my daughter being home, for my husband here, my new job, which resumes in January, and other good in my life. It just feels lonely.
Wishing everyone a healthy and a happy Hanukah.
Thank you for your minds.
14 Comments:
Barbara, does your husband participate in the religious cemeonies with you and your kids?
Nio, my husband does, yes, he eats the meal! My kids are now adults, one is living out of state, and the other is here with us now, but still remains ill, and cannot fully participate.
Best wishes for a happy, joyous, and healthy Chanukah!
I remember those classroom visits fondly. Not from you, but the mothers of my friends. Potato latkes, lighting the menorah, the story of conserving the light--beautiful, symbolic traditions. What I remember best is the hope, more potent than any fuel. Happy Hanukah.
Have a wonderful, warm Chanukah, Barbara.
Just thought I would stop by and wish you a very Happy Hanukah. Hope your daughter has a Refuah Shleima, soon...
Hi there! I would've commented sooner, but your comment section was turned off (I think, though it could've been me).
Anyway, HAPPY HANUKAH!!!
Barbara, Don't let your year go out on a sad note. I know you miss your son and your father, but they are in your heart and will always be with you. Your daughter is still alive and hopefully getting better. You still have your husband. Look on the other side and be happy. Do you have any Jewish friends, that live close by, who could celebrate with you? I know that it is hard when the kids are gone at the holiday time, but you still have both of them. Think ahead and make plans for your future.
Thank you all for your kind good wishes.
Hanukah is not an unhappy time. I am grateful for my daughter being home, for my husband here, my new job, which resumes in January, and other good in my life.
It just feels lonely. I will reclarify this in the post.
always a positive outlook, that's so amazing.
Happy Holidays Barb,
Much love to you and your family.
Kisses to you and Astro!
Happy Hannukah to you and yours...
Cheers,
Mr. H.K.
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Well at least you have lots of friends here...to chase away that lonely feeling..
Barbara, I found a picture that I want to send to you can you send me an email addy I can send it too?? If not I will refind the link to send to you..
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