23 Comments

Thank you for sharing. I don’t celebrate Hanukkah but have friends who do. For me it is a privilege to learn more about others traditions and celebrations.

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It's enriching, isn't it? My Italian husband and I had a Christmas tree for our first 30 years together. It was a real leap of faith for me at the beginning, but I came to appreciate the dazzle.

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You delivered new insights, along with a couple of chuckles. Thanks as always for sharing.

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I always try to get the right proportions. Thanks for reading.

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I really appreciated this framing of Chanukah.

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Happy New Year, Judith. Wishing you many blessings.

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Wish I had read this when you posted, so I could have looked at chanukah through your eyes. Next year—If I’m lucky enough to be here. Thanks.

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This is a poignant response, Betsy. Wishing you a meaningful New Year.

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Susie, I’ve enjoyed so many of your stories since I subscribed. You write in such a tender way about Jewish ritual and transitions. I spend summers in Great Barrington so I share that love with you. Many thanks for your open heart.❤️

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So glad to know you, Leny. Amazing how we can cross paths with someone in a meaningful way without actually meeting them.

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A lovely reflection and beautiful writing.

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Loved your piece about Polish Christmas!

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Well said. I enjoy this humble holiday amidst the onslaught of Christmas. Sorry to be a bit of a grinch.

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Not at all! You are as far from grinchy as a guy can be.

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I agree with your other friends, Susie, this is one of your most beautiful pieces of writing. There is an exquisite blend of reality and tenderness in the writing. I literally found your thoughts, insights, and lusciousness breathtaking.

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It's wonderful to watch a time-honored practice like lighting the menorah take on a whole new meaning. I'm very grateful.

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This was a particularly beautiful piece of writing and feeling. It takes alot to surpass some of your previous pieces, but this one was up at the top along with many others.

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The candlelight really opened me up and enabled me to see in the dark what I couldn't previously see. Thank you.

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What a lovely piece of writing, and if I may, your finest.

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Anything worthwhile involves a lot of vulnerability, so your comment is much appreciated.

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Thanks so much - this is such a touching and evocative reflection.

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I wasn't sure it would work to write about chanukah after the fact...but it really resonated for me this year.

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As always, SK shares her brilliance.

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