Feeling that holiday magic

December happens to be one of the most celebrated months with Hanukkah and Christmas occurring side by side. On many occasions, such as these events, the overwhelming enthusiasm we experience is the build-up to it. When you plan a trip, discussing it and organizing for it is part of the special adventure. It's almost a method of prolonging what's ahead when the process commences earlier. Occasionally, when arranging a special dinner party or any celebration, selecting the menu, setting the table, and organizing the list, can be almost as thrilling as the evening's arrival. Usually I orchestrate my plans early on in order to extend the activity. Personally it is the whole package that creates the exhilaration although I do have this tendency to arrange too far in advance.

Hanukkah is forthcoming and we anticipate this festival of lights with positive energy as it is definitely a joyous time. It commences on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev and on December 15th (evening) on the English calendar. The holiday extends back to the time of Alexander the Great. His reign permitted the people of the lands he conquered, the autonomy to observe their own religions. Following him, Antiochus IV had other ideas when he began oppressing the Jews by massacring them, desecrating their Temple and by placing a Hellenistic priest in the Temple.

Hanukkah, which lasts eight days, commemorates the victory of the Jewish Macabees led by Judah, over the Hellenistic Syrians. Hanukkah also means "dedication" and is referred to as "The Festival of Lights." The victory was considered miraculous as once the Temple was reclaimed, it had to be rededicated. There was only one jar of sacramental oil that was sufficient for one day but surprisingly it burned brilliantly for eight which explains the eight days. Starting Dec. 15 , Jewish people will use a menorah (a candleholder) and every evening they will add one more candle until all eight are lit. In Israel, the menorah is called Hanukiyah and they come in all shapes and sizes. Traditional foods are also consumed such as potato latkes and jelly doughnuts. Another unique ritual is the dreidal game. A dreidal is a four-sided top with Hebrew letters inscribed on each side. The children love to spin it and where it lands designates how much money (pennies) will be won or lost. Most people play for matchsticks, pennies, or chocolate coins. The traditional explanation for this game is that during the time of Antiochus' oppression, those who wanted to study Torah (an illegal activity) would conceal their activity by playing gambling games with a top (a common and legal activity) whenever an official or inspector was within sight. Parties to celebrate Hanukkah transpire and remarkably this holiday is so child-centered that it even initiates the childish spirit in all of us.

Not to be overshadowed by any means is the media - endorsed Christmas. The festivity behind this holiday can be completely irresistible. Christmas is the annual Christian or secular holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus and supports the themes of family, goodwill, and kindness. The traditions include the exchange of gifts, arrival of Santa Claus, the nativity scene, and Christmas trees. The Christmas holiday is celebrated on December 25 but it is preceded by Christmas Eve on the 24th. Many Eastern Orthodox people celebrate the holiday on Jan. 7 which corresponds to Dec. 25 on the Julian calendar.

It is interesting to note that in a world population of 5.5 billion, there are approximately 1.8 billion Christians making it a principal religion worldwide. In addition, the weeks leading up to Christmas are the major shopping weeks of the year and many retailers make 70 per cent of their annual income in the month before Christmas. Therefore, when we feel bombarded with all those advertisements citing those irresistible deals, the reason is that most big business is handled during holiday time.

To initiate the appreciation of what's ahead, Westmounters should devote a little time driving around their area just to admire the spectacular decorations and ornaments illuminating the homes. With all the majestic trees, there is no end to the beauty of the holiday.

At Temple Emanu-El Beth Sholom synagogue in Westmount, Hanukkah parties began on Sunday, December 10th with the preschool event where a giant menorah was decorated by the children. With Hanukkah occurring on two Friday evenings, the Sabbath will be celebrated on Dec. 15 and Dec. 22. Everyone is requested to bring a menorah and candles to light. But on Dec. 20 in conjunction with Shaar Hashomayim Synagogue and The City of Westmount, a Hanukah candle lighting ceremony will transpire inside the hall followed by a party with dreidals, music, and latkes at the Temple Emanu-El Beth Sholom. According to Rhona Samsonavitch, program director of the Temple, this is an embracing time. "With the weather being so unpredictable, we are lighting the large menorah inside but it is wonderful when we all join together. The Friday evenings at the synagogue with all the candles ablaze will be such a magnificent sight."

It is so impossible to conceive that this season is upon us once more. We should relish the pleasures of the present and in what's forthcoming, as unfortunately the best times of life pass much too quickly.

Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas!