It was a gray, dreary day, but at least the rain held off while I was out and about. Poured for awhile this evening, and I expect more rain during the night. I do hope the rain goes away by Thursday, as the Rabbi and Governor Schwartzenegger are going to light the big menorah on the steps of the Capitol. That ceremony has drawn quite a crowd in the past few years.
Picture this: A huge, and I mean HUGE, Christmas tree erected on the lawn in front of the West steps of the Capitol, and a very large menorah ON the West steps of the Capitol. Who says we're not ecumenical?
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I got most of the Chanukah gifts today for Rena, and gave them to her mother to distribute each evening of the 8 days. I still have 3 more items to get, and I will manage to deliver them before the first five days are over. Plus a bag of "gelt" for each member of the family.
Megan gave me a wondrous gift. A set of cotton towels that could be used as table runners. They have Chanukah themes on them. Plus, one towel has printed on the border the word Shalom in Hebrew letters. There's also a towel with dreidls, and another one with menorot (plural of menorah). She is so thoughtful, even though she doesn't share my religion.
I lit the first candle for Chanukah this evening. I put the menorah on the windowsill where Banshee likes to sit and survey the world. He wanted to sit there this evening, and he was very curious about the fire. He almost singed his whiskers, but backed off before any damage was done. He's also very curious about my Sabbath candles, but so far, no flaming cat!
I haven't sent out one single greeting card yet I also have a couple gifts that have to be taken to the post office and mailed. Maybe I can get that done on Thursday. Yeah, probably. I checked my calendar and miracle of miracles, there's no appointment listed for that day. Do you now understand why I need some organization and discipline in my life?
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Interesting class tonight, but I won't go into details except to say that it was about Abraham's journeys away from his homeland, and what he accomplished in teaching about monotheism.
Rabbi lit one candle on the menorah and talked about how the candle sends out light, and how our lives should be like candles.
I don't remember where I first read it, but I remember reading/hearing it a lot when I was growing up. One of the Psalms maybe? "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven." I think that's appropriate for Chanukah, too.
Shalom