Hanukkah is a wonderful holiday.
Every nights for eight nights, candles are lit and prayers and songs are sung.
Hanukkah is the Festival of Light.

Families and friends sing songs, play games and eat delicious food.
The eight candles symbolize the miracle when the Second Temple in Jerusalem was liberated in 165 BCE.  The Temple had been looted and much was destroyed.
There was only enough pure olive oil to burn the menorah for one night.

Yet, the oil burned for eight days and nights allowing the Jewish people to prepare a fresh supply of olive oil.  So the holiday of Hanukkah was established to last for eight days and candles are lit every night to remember and celebrate the miracle.  The word Hanukkah comes from the root meaning “to dedicate” and the Jewish people rededicated the Second Temple.

During the holiday it is a tradition to exchange gifts, to have fun and eat potato pancakes, blintzes and applesauce.  It is one of the more joyful and fun of the Jewish Holidays.  It is a time to share in the joy of freedom and light.

It is interesting that Hanukkah begins on the day that the fighting stopped in Jerusalem.
What a wonderful metaphor – the fighting stopped and there was light and peace – The Festival of Light.

It is time to stop fighting now – on all levels and time for light and peace.
Our world needs this more than ever and the story and history of Hanukkah proves that miracles do happen.

The symbols of the holiday are beautiful – lighting candles, giving gifts, singing songs and sharing tasty meals.  What is even more important is being kind to each other and sharing our light.  Because our greatest joy is found in giving to others and in giving we share our light and love.

The beauty of history is that it can teach us something that is relevant in our lives.
But the lesson can only be valuable to someone who is open to learn and to grow.
Every moment there is an opportunity for you to grow.

Make this a time for you to dedicate your life to your highest purpose.
Focus on peace and on sharing your light and kindness with others.

blessings,
🙂 Lee
The Mega Coach