Two Views of Hanukkah in the Midwest

Menorah, Daley Plaza, Chicago, IL

At this time of year, when Christmas decorations, as beautiful as they are, dominate the landscape, I take great pride in seeing large menorahs displayed in public, for everyone to witness the miracle of Hanukkah.  Here are two such menorahs on public display, thanks to the efforts of Chabad. Above, at Chicago's Daley Plaza, you can even see the famous Picasso statue in the background, along with all the activity of Chicago's annual Christkindlmarket.  Good times.

Menorah, Milwaukee Union Station, Milwaukee, WI

Mountaintop Menorah, Tempe, AZ

A menorah graces the top of A-Mountain, not far from the Tempe campus of ASU. May the coming year offer you many summits to climb and reach.

HAPPY HANUKKAH!

Hanukkah Reflection

Electric Hanukkah Menorah, 2012

Yes, I know. Hanukkah is over. But I took this photo showing the electric menorah lit on last night and wanted to share it. Electric menorahs can look pretty festive, with multicolored light bulbs adding variety to the effect. But regular menorahs, displaying lit candles or oil, cast an austere glow to beat back the overwhelming dark. So fitting with our aspirations at this time of year, to find light and have it vanquish the dark, in a season when days give way to long stretches of night.

Eight lights, plus the shamash, for eight nights of Hanukkah. The shamash and one candle are lit on the first night, and then one light is added for each of following days. I find the contrast in effect between the first night of Hanukkah and the last night to be remarkable. On first night, you have two candles flickering against the gloom, but on the final night you have eight lights, plus the shamash, casting a powerful glow to push the shadows back. The message of the image is clear: we need one another, for what we can achieve together in community is far greater than what we can accomplish alone as individuals.

Have a festive holiday season, and may you and those you love enjoy happiness and peace. Happy holidays to all of you. May your days be spent kindling the light and warmth of friendship, and may you strive to spread that light to others, in order to increase the light and banish the dark.