Rant #3,249: Light Sings

The time is nearly here.

Tonight at sunset, Hanukkah will begin, and this eight-day celebration has so much meaning, in particular, in 2023, both personally and worldwide.

Personally, Hanukkah not only represents that 2023 is coming to an end, but that there is definitely light at the end of the tunnel.

2023 was the most horrid year for myself and my family. This year featured more personal tragedies and more turmoil than any yesr I can ever recall.

I lost my mom this past year, and then what followed followed ... having to sell the house, having to move from the house, and my injury.

That isn't even accounting for so many other things that happened prior to my mother's passing--like my wife's head injury--and so many other things that I have never told you about.

Now, my family and I are in our new apartment, and when we put up our menorah and light the first lights of the holiday, it will signify rejuvenation and a bounce back from a terrible year in 2023 to hopefully a better year in 2024.

And yes, the unrest in the Middle East--and the rise of anti-Semitism here and sround the world--certainly concerns me.

Our menorah will shine brightly in our kitchen window, and I do believe thst any Jew celebrating the holiday who doesn't put up his or her menorah for all to see is playing right into the terrorists' hands.

Our menorah will be up and burn brightly throughout the holiday, and quite frankly, if anyone has anything to say about it, let them say it directly to my family and I.

Some non-Jews are even showing solidarity with their Jewish brethren by putting up photos of a menorah as part of their Christmas displays.

We, as the Jewish population, and we, as a civilization, cannot bow down to those who threaten the very fabric of our being.

Light up that menorah, have fun during Hanukkah, and never forget, and never deny, who you are.

Have a great holiday.

Light sings ... forever.