Two children, two coasts and thanks to the miracle of Skype, one Hanukkah menorah lighting. Back when the kids still had more baby teeth than quarters, I never imagined how fast the time would come when they would not only be lighting their own menorahs but doing so in their own apartments.
Hanukkah is not a Jewish Christmas. It doesn’t have the religious import nor does it exert Christmas’ home-for-the- holidays pull. Rosh Hashana, yes. Passover, you bet. Hanukkah? Not a break-the-bank priority. Still, what holiday isn’t enriched by being together?
Enter the 21st century’s latest miracle. Elliot Skyped us in but hit roadblocks bringing Emma into the electronic fold. Not one to be bested by glitches, he commandeered his roommate’s computer, and Skyped her in that way. We sat before our respective screens (were they magic shields holding the distance at bay?) as Elliot, three hours behind us, lit the first candle.
Almost 2200 years after the Maccabees’ miraculous triumph over the Greco-Syrian empire, the Darvicks triumphed over the 3000 miles separating them, sang blessings together and acknowledged miracles both bygone and by gosh!
Before you go I just have to give a huge Hanukkah shout out to my brother and sister-in-law, owners of Sweet Tammy’s and makers of the best cookies from here to eternity. I don’t know if there’s still time to place Hanukkah orders, so order some for Christmas. Or try the macaroons and oatmeal cookies. Kosher and dairy-free Sweet Tammy’s offerings would have brought even old Antiochus to his knees.
Hi Debra-Nice to see your two all grown up
I remember them differenly, of course!
Happy Holidays to all of you
Sue Cole
Yes, they were quite small when you knew them! Thanks for stopping by.
As always, I learn something new when I read you, Debra! I didn’t realize that “Hanukkah doesn’t have the religious import nor does it exert Christmas’ home-for-the- holidays pull. Rosh Hashana, yes. Passover, you bet.” Thank you for this warm and wonderful piece. I just posted something you might find interesting, re the holidays, on David Crumm’s site. Meanwhile, I am wishing you a Happy Hanukkah!
Debra,
Thank you for giving us a peek into your family’s celebration. I thought of you today when I read a lovely story in our local newspaper about a menorah recovered from one of the most badly damaged synagogues here in New Orleans. Here’s the link; I hope you enjoy it.
http://www.nola.com/religion/index.ssf/2010/12/menorah_retrieved_from_hurricane_katrina_muck_in_lakeview_is_part_of_white_house_hanukkah_celebratio.html
May all your celebrations be joyful whether in person or via Skype!
Ahh yes, the time between young child and adult child does go by so quickly, even though when we were going through it, there were spans of time that seemed endless! How wonderful that you could all be “together” for the lighting of the menorahs’ candles. I do wish for you a holiday season filled with happy moments, quiet moments, reflective moments, and many moments filled with love.
What a great idea for traversing the miles for celebrations! First you taught us that distance could be overcome in blessing children on Shabbat, and we followed that lead. Now, you’ve given us another gift.
We skyped with Brian, Joanna and Daniel last night — lit candles, opened kid-gifts and spun dreydels. Remember talking about “telephones with cameras” as theoretical intrusive-sounding sci-fi inventions? Imagine! Thanks for your beautiful words, Debra.
…or does it exert Christmas’ home-for-the- holidays pull. Rosh Hashana, yes. Passover, you bet. Hanukkah? Not a break-the-bank priority.
This is SOOO true. Sure, it would be nice to be with everyone, but no pangs in the kishkes like being apart for the High Holy Days was this year.