Chanukah

Studying for a year and finally making the decision to convert to Judaism a decade ago was life defining. I'd been on a long spiritual journey, grateful for each step, tradition and spiritual leader who welcomed my questions. When I entered that first synagogue, I knew......I knew I was home. There was something wonderful about the sound of Hebrew. The words of the ancient prayers were my prayers. Though I left my religion of birth, it was miraculous to finally have this connection between what had been in my heart for so long and a place of worship.

Family and friends shared that day of transition - religious conversion - as I chanted Hebrew for the first time in public. Loana and Sandy came from California and gifted me a silver Menorah. Each year when I light the Chanukah candles, I remember my friends who walked beside me during that time, my conversion and that oh-so-fun and meaningful weekend. I also remember the miracle of life and the stories that have been passed down from generation to generation.........the Jewish one experienced 2200 years ago in which candle oil for one night lasted for eight. Chanukah. I think, too, about the miracles I have experienced directly - of giving birth to children, having loved beyond measure, witnessing sunsets and sunrises that took my breath away, heard a best friend's belly laugh, felt butterflies on a finger and stood near a hummingbird feeding her young. What a wonderful exercise this is - to consider the joys and miracles of life. In fact as I am writing, Brett just called to describe the sun setting out West!!!! More miracles!!!!

Tonight Jews around the world recite blessings and light the first of eight candles - illuminating hearts and homes and thoughts. Kindling light where there is darkness.