A little mid-Hanukkah reflection/thought

A little mid-Hanukkah reflection/thought:
Wednesday night I went home I set up a small table in a window facing the street and set the menorah on it. When I said the prayers, lit the shamash, and proceeded to light the first candle, I felt a great sense of joy. The candles were burning in the window for any passersby to see. I felt a sense of pride and really felt like I was doing something very Jewish and it felt wonderful watching the candles as they burned bright. I still had a few lights on in the room but the candles still looked so great reflecting off the window.

Last night when I lit the shamash and the two candles, it was even more nice to look at with the additional candle burning bright. Then, after a short time, my wife turned off the lights in the room and, wow, it was so much more amazing… As a first time observer of Hanukkah, I am hooked. I am already looking forward to next year and this year’s holiday is not even over yet!

Chag Chanukah Sameach!!

About the Author

Ryan Fagan is originally from Southwest Florida, and currently lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he is employed in the financial sector and is active at Shir Tikvah, his Reform shul. He recently converted to Judaism after being raised in a Catholic household. He also goes by his Hebrew name, Aviv.