Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah

I was walking around the city this evening doing last-minute errands for our party and my timing was perfect for seeing lit Hanukiot in windows, on porches, and out on the street all around town. It was absolutely beautiful and wonderful. Unfortunately, my photos don't capture the feeling or spirit of Hanukkah that was out everywhere tonight but I will try to take additional photos in another night or two, when there will be more candles and thus more light for my camera.

When we lit our Hanukiah tonight, we were lighting ours at the same time as our neighbor in the building across the street - there we were, two families lighting our Hanukkah candles while watching each other across the street to publicize the miracle of Hanukkah to each other and to the passers-by. It was a festive and wonderful experience.

Tomorrow is our huge Hanukkah party - we expect about 15-20 guests for appetizers, Hanukkah cookie decorating, and a white elephant gift exchange - it's going to be great! Jen's feeling a lot better and has been busy making dozens and dozens of sugar cookies for decorating tonight since the end of Shabbat.

At Shabbat morning services today, the guy who led the Musaf service was fantastic - he chanted much of the liturgy using the tunes from Hanukkah songs. I love Hanukkah music - there are so many songs and tunes even though it's a fairly minor holiday. It's so much fun to be experiencing Hanukkah in Jerusalem.

For those who want to know more about Hanukkah, Lisa Katz has a comprehensive overview of Hanukkah on her site.