Latkes and Santa Claus

Chanukah was our Christmas Miracle. It is said when the Macabees wanted to light the menorah they re-created when their Temple was destroyed, they found only a small cruse of pure olive oil bearing the seal of the High Priest Yochanan. It was sufficient to light only for one day. By a miracle of God, it continued to burn for eight days, till new oil was made available. That miracle proved that God had again taken His people under His protection. In memory of this, our sages appointed these eight days for annual thanksgiving and for lighting candles.

Being of the Jewish faith when I was much younger it was this time of year I had sometimes wished I was of another faith. When we were young (6 to 10) my sister and I convinced my parents to get us a Chanukah Bush...it was a silver foil tree decorated with blue and silver ornaments. We sang songs like Dreidal, Dreidal Dreidal and Herman the Chanukah Candle (tune like Rudolph the red nose reindeer). Potato Latkes were a favorite treat served with applesauce. And each night for seven days after we would light the menorah and say the prayer we received a gift to honor the miracle of lights.

One big gift the first night then smaller presents after that. 

But who was this Santa Claus? Didn’t he visit all boys and girls? So my sister and I started putting up stockings on Christmas Eve testing the belief. We would receive small trinkets (gum, candy, pencils and one year a can of beer, someone was being funny) and was told Santa knew we were Jewish so that’s why the small stuff.

I carried that tradition onto my son, celebrating Chanukah but also never allowed him not to believe in Santa Claus because we were Jewish. We celebrated Chanukah but also the marvel of St. Nick.  I mean who does not love the "Miracle on 34th Street," my all time favorite?

During these difficult times for many let us not forget the Miracles of the Holiday and what we believe all year long. We should not only give of ourselves during the holiday but giving a little throughout the year will make miracles everyday!

Happy Holidays!

Shalom!