Salutations to My Jewish Friends!

Tonight is the 1st night of Hanukkah -- an occasion also called the Festival of Lights. If you do not know much about Hanukkah, I refer you to the link above for a full explanation of this wonderful holiday which celebrates a miracle -- part of the story is that in the midst of war and terrible strife, the lamp in the Temple (which was to never be extinguished) burned for 8 nights on the only oil that remained -- on only enough oil for one night.

To me, one of the beautiful parts of this holiday is that this is so symbolic of the tenacious survival of the Jewish Community in the face of generations upon generations that have sought its death. It is a faith that burns on, bringing its persistant and unquenchable light in the midst of a darkness that threatens again and again to overwhelm it.

May the Light and Blessings of Hanukkah shine on through eternity.