The Third Day of Hanukkah

Last night was another experience in the lists of “firsts” that have happened to me since I’ve moved to Israel. Sunday night marked the first night of Hanukkah and one can see Hanukiot (the candelabra you use to light the Hanukkah candles) all over the place, each day with the correct number of candles. I saw one when I walked into the hotel my parents are staying at, I saw one when I walked into my office and I saw a huge one in the middle of Dizengoff square that the Chabad light every night. While it was nice to be reminded of Hanukkah in al of these places, I was not expecting to see one on the stage of the theater when my mother and brother, and I were waiting patiently for the show to begin.

A few minutes before the play began, one of the actors came out on stage. He lit the candles and led everyone in the blessings. I was amazed to hear people around me signing along and even more taken aback by the chorus of “Amen” that followed each blessing. It was a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by a theater full of people who sang the same songs and prayers that I learned in grade school. When it was over my mother leaned over and said “the price of the ticket was worth it just for this.” I couldn’t agree more.