8 Glorious nights of light, starting and ending with Tuvia, on the menorah he brought with him from Israel when he began his life in the US more than 40 years ago.  Of course I prefer my more impressive menorah and I was prepared to bring mine along but it was so clear that Tuvia was softened by his preservation of this simple tradition and I let my new model to remain at my place, for a few evenings when we celebrated the lights over the Hudson.

Funny, the have always loved the lights no matter what menorah they live in and no matter how quickly the candles burns to nothing.

We take time every night to drag out the menorah, secure the candles with melted wax and carefully light each of the 8 candles with the lead light, the Shamus.  I sing the short blessings.  Tuvia stands with me, offering respect.  Of course it’s different with his family, it’s different with my family.  I don’t solo, but now there’s no gifting, even for the Israeli kids and I like that.  Of course, American kids do get gifts even if some of the 8 are small.  As a kid, I was happy to get my stash but as a giver now, it’s a pleasure to have a simple holiday. Lights take center stage 🙂

Happy Chanukah 2013!