Happy Chanuka--blessings from Israel

Chanuka began last night. It is a celebration of the victory and the miracle that took place in the 2 century BCE when the oil in the Temple burned 8 days, instead of only one (there was only enough oil for one).

In these days, I am thinking especially of the miracle of light to guide our way in life--that God gives us the ability to see by it and thus walk in its illumination. The idea of 8 is also interesting: 8 days, 8 candles. In 7 seven days the world was created, and I've heard that 8 refers to the infinite, that which goes beyond perfection and completion. Putting those ideas together, God grants us light forever, not just for the day-to-day living, but also for eternal. I am thankful that His Word is a "lamp unto our feet and light unto our path"(psalm 119:110) and also that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (john 1:14)... showing us the way to the Father, the Melech Ha-Olam.

Baruch Ata Adonai, Eloheinu, Melech Ha-Olam

(Blessed are You, Lord our God, Master of the Universe)