One would think the situation would improve in Israel, but alas, they only have two or three Hannukah songs that they just put on repeat. And they arent as good as Adam's. Not only that, but since the Christian population in Israel is mostly Arab- there are no Christmas carols either! And I'll admit it, Im still American enough that I kind of miss the whole Christmas cheer- the lights, the songs, the strange men in red inviting children to sit on their laps...
So my friend Ari and I solved both of these problems by coming up with a Channukah Carol to which I am dedicating this email.
On the first night of Channukah, my Saba (grandfather) gave to me- 1 Channukiahhhhh
On the first night of Channukah, the good Lord gave to me- a last minute shuttle that got me to my Rabbi's house in Beit Shemesh just in time to light candles. He also blessed me with a Rabbi and wife who like me so much that I could call them six hours before Shabbat and invite myself to their already crowded house.
On the second night of Channukah, my Savta (grandmother) gave to me- 2 dreidels and one Channukiahhhh
On the second night of Channukah my Rabbi's wife gave to me- a pair of fuzzy toe socks that I got to enjoy for a total of five minutes before her daughters stole them. But it was a really nice thought.
On the third night of Channukah, my Saba gave to me- 3 Sufganiyot (jelly donuts), 2 dreidels, and one Channukiahhhh
On the third night of Channukah, my Momma gave to me- a giant basket of cookies, chocolates, balloons and a teddy bear. Which was just what I needed, as that day I had returned to Haifa to be processed off my base. I spent the whole day waiting around for the people I had been really excited to have teach me, process the paperwork to kick me off base. It sucked. (The base part, the cookies were actually really good)
On the fourth night of Channukah, my Savta gave to me- 4 potato latkas, 3 Sufganiyot, 2 dreidels, and one Channukiahhhh
On the fourth night of Channukah, the good Jews of Israel reminded me why I am proud to serve in the IDF. I spent the day in Tel Aviv arguing with somebody important and eventually landing some sort of job that involves English. Neither she nor I really understood what this job is, but they are letting me try it out for a week, starting on Sunday. This also meant I got a Channukah vacation :)
That night, the group I used to volunteer for- Standing Together- sponsored a Channukah party for lone soldiers (those of us volunteering with no parents in the country). I got a free dinner, a lovely package of socks and men's deodorant, and most importantly, I had some charming elderly Americans and adorable South African teenage boys tell me how proud and thankful they were that we were serving in the Israeli army. Also, the man I used to volunteer for was shocked that I had switched sides and was incredibly proud of me. To put it simply, it was really good for my morale.
On the fifth night of Channukah, my Saba gave to me- 5 pieces of gelt, 4 potato latkas, 3 Sufganiyot, 2 dreidels, and one Channukiahhhhh
On the fifth night of Channukah, Tamara Fine-Skversky gave me the opportunity to see the holiday lights- Israel style. Ari and I went and volunteered where Tamara works, in the depths of Mea Shearim and spent most of the afternoon cutting vegetables (with which they prepare healthy meals for the elderly). We finished just as it was getting dark, and as we walked out into the incredibly charedi (ultra-orthodox) neighborhood, we encountered dozens of religious families standing outside their homes lighting their Channukiahs, singing, and dancing. While the small oil-burning candelabras may not be as impressive as a giant blow up Santa or a block of bedazzled rafters, it was pretty cool to walk through the windy back streets of Jerusalem and see candles burning at every doorstep.
It was also the first night I had someone else to light with, as Ari and I picked up Thai food, and lit together at his apartment. Its way more fun to light with friends.
On the sixth night of Channukah, my Savta gave to me- 6 Sidrei Mishna, 5 pieces of gelt, 4 potato latkas, 3 Sufganiyot, 2 dreidels, and one Channukiahhhhh
On the sixth night of Channukah, the awesomeness that is Caroline Battle (www.carolinebattle.com) gave me a much needed kick in the pants and I pulled out my art supplies for the first time in too long. I spent the day getting ink on my shirt and glue on my fingers and charcoal, well, everywhere.
The creative streak stuck with me, and that night I made latkas for the first time, smoked up our apartment (just like home!) and forced my roommates to eat them. We lit together, chowed down on oily potato pancakes and applesauce, and exchanged giant pieces of gelt. It was almost like family :)
On the seventh night of Channukah, my Saba gave to me- 7 Maccabis, 6 Sidrei Mishna, 5 pieces of gelt, 4 potato latkas, 3 Sufganiyot, 2 dreidels, and one Channukiahhhhh
On the seventh night, oh, well, thats right now. On the seventh night my friend Daniel gave me a party. Well its not really for me, its for him, but I get to go, so its kinda like a present. One that I have to go get dressed for now. So I will quickly conclude.
On the eight night of Channukah, my Savta gave to me- 8 pachs of oil, 7 Maccabis, 6 Sidrei Mishna, 5 pieces of gelt, 4 potato latkas, 3 Sufganiyot, 2 dreidels, and one Channukiahhhhh!!!!
Oh, I have n awesome present for you and I am bringing it myself...and I am not just talking about myself, I actually have a present for you, and it is actually awesome! Is that enough incentive to get your tushie to the airport to meet me???
ReplyDeleteSo Much Love,
O