The Eighth Candle

Today’s synonym for light is (last, but absolutely not least) inspiration / spirituality. There was a machloket (a disagreement) between the houses of Hillel and Shammai as to what order the candles on the Chanukiah should be lit on Chanukah.  The house of Shammai...

The Sixth and Seventh Candles

I got caught up with family celebrating Chanukah this weekend, and so am posting candles six and seven together this evening.  Watching my nephew squeal over the “wheel” toys we bought him was well worth it!! Synonym number six for light was “beacon.”  A beacon is a...

The Fifth Candle

Today’s synonyms for light are clear / lucent.  It has become a common practice today for people to greet one another throughout the month of December by saying, “Happy Holidays.”  It is wonderful that we live in a culture that is so inclusive and...

The Fourth Candle

The fourth set of light synonyms is humorous / cheery.  We can often bring light into our lives and that of others through humor.  Adam Sandler knew it well when he wrote his Chanukah song.  A quick Google or YouTube search will turn up a lot of funny and fun videos...

The Third Candle

One of the main themes of the holiday season in that of “spreading good cheer.”  As we walk the public streets, malls, supermarkets, etc we hear its refrain.  “’Tis the season to be jolly…”  Now, I’ll grant that the demand for December mirth is geared...