Happy Hanukkah

Today at sunset is the beginning of Hanukkah, a Jewish Holiday, the Festival of Lights. I have to admit, I always wanted to celebrate Hanukkah. I wanted to be able to have a menorrah and light a candle each night during the 8 days of Hanukkah and eat Latkes and jelly donuts and all the other wonderful Jewish delights. And especially spend each evening with my family.

Hannukkah is the celebration of re-dedicating the temple in Jerusalem after it was defiled by Antiochus IV. The Maccabee rebellion kicked the Greeks out and they were able to go in and clean and re-dedicate their temple. They needed to use oil to light the eternal flame. They only had enough oil to keep it lit one day. It would take them eight days to make more olive oil, but by a miracle the lamp burned bright for eight days until more oil could be obtained. What a wonderful blessing from the Lord! The Jewish people love their temple. We, LDS, also love our temples and know how sacred they are. So even thought I am not Jewish, ( but I am an Ephraimite, so I'm very closely related!), I can appreciate the meaning behind Hannukah and wish all Jewish peoples around the world a Very Happy Hannukah season! May the Lord continue to bless us all!

This week, I mailed Sean a humorous Hannukah card at BYU. Hope you enjoy it Sean! I know how much you love funny cards! Only two more weeks until your home! We can't wait!!!!!