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Despite the fact that the observance of Chanukah revolves around the lighting of candles in the menorah, often Jews
find themselves in the dark when it comes to making this holiday meaningful and spiritual. Much like Christmas,
Chanukah has become a holiday about consumerism rather than about God, miracles and struggles for religious
freedom.
Just as the Maccabi's fought back against the Syrians desire to assimilate them into their way of life and their
religious practices, Jews today must continue struggling to retain their religious and spiritual beliefs and
practices. At no time is this more apparent than during the holiday season, when everywhere Jews turn they are
bombarded by the consumerism of Christmas, which seems to far outweigh its spiritual or religious meaning and
context. Yet, it is possible to instill the lighting of the Chanukah candles with meaning and to make this a
spiritual ritual for the whole family.
In fact, Chanukah was never about giving gifts. Traditionally, teachers received "gelt," or money, at this time of
year to show appreciation for their contribution to children's education. Occassionally students also received
gelt. This explains why many Jews give gold-foil covered chocolate "coins" on this holiday.
To make your Chanukah ritual meaningful, prior to the first night of Chanukah research why this holiday is observed
and what it really is about. Try to find some aspect of the holiday that has personal meaning for you. Also, know
exactly how to light the candles and say the prescribed blessings. Then, when you light the candles and say the
blessings, keep this meaning in mind.
To make the experience spiritual, create a sacred space within which to set your chanukiah, the special menorah
used on this holiday. This can be as simple as placing a special table cloth on the table, burning incense in the
room, or saying a prayer invoking the Divine Presence to join you for this ritual.
Also, spend some time with your family in the light of the candles. The light is said to have a spiritual quality
all its own, so basking in it can be quite a spiritual experience all its own. Many people like to meditate on the
flames, which seem to be reaching up to God.
Also, Chanukah, a time when we commemorate the miracle of a small jug of oil burning not for just one day but for
eight and a small army defeating a large one, supposedly is a time when we can access the energy of miracles. If we
sit in the light of the candles and meditate on the miracles we would like to create in our lives, as well as in
the world, we have a higher likelihood of actually manifesting them.
So don't spend another Chanukah lighting candles every night in an empty and meaningless manner. Take the time to
put some thought and preparation into the ritual. Instead of getting caught up in the buying frenzy of other winter
holidays, spend time contemplating how to make your holiday meaningful and spiritual. By utilizing some of these
techniques, tools and activities, this Chanukah, you can transform your holiday observance into a meaning-full and
spirit-full one.
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