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My journal about my conversion to Judaism. |
| Today is the last day of Chanukah. It was been a quick and busy week with attending activities after work almost every day. Monday I saw a public menorah lighting which I was excited was only a block away from work. I ate latkes and doughnuts along with a taco (no cheese) bar. I was able to see the menorah lit every day except Friday. When it was dark, the phrase, "The darkness is coming" ran across my mind. Maybe it was because of a story I heard recently about a little girl who was devastated when a neighbor's menorah was turned off after the Australia shooting, and maybe it was because of the Stranger Things new season (I had to watch it so I could discuss it with my students), but I only let it run through my mind for a moment. My response to the thought was, "I guess I will need to be an extra light today." On Wednesday, I turned a test review into a game with dreidels at work, and then went to a Macabeats concert. I ate gelt at work and latkes and doughnuts at the concert. Thursday, with heartburn, I attended a dinner and fundraiser for the people recovering in the hospital from the shooting in Australia. It was a good evening, and I enjoyed good food as well as latkes and doughnuts. On Friday night, I went to dinner at a friend's house. For desert, we had doughnuts. On Shabbat, I had doughnuts again for desert. Today, I worked Chanukah Wonderland again. I can't imagine what Chanukah would be like if I didn't get to see so many kids this week. It was fun, even if I now understand why it is a real thing to start a diet in the new year. It has nothing to do with the new year and everything to do with all the latkes and doughnuts for Chanukah! On a serious note, as I finish my first Chanukah as a Jew, I can say that I understand the worry that the darkness is winning, however, in addition to all the latkes and doughnuts, I have also had a week of meeting new people from different faiths and countries. I assure you, the darkness hasn't gotten everyone in any country. Even the ones the news portrays it as so. Never give up hope. There is light in the world. There is goodness in the world. When you don't see it in the world, shine your light a little bit brighter and be the light for others. Happy Chanukah!   |
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