This is the first time in 3 years that I lit the candles on Chanuka. It seems slightly absurd since I've been in Israel for all of that time. But this year I want to light because I miss the tradition.
I also wanted to wear my sivivon (dreidel) earrings but one of them is broken. I tried to save it using super glue, but it was one of those failed cases in which most of the glue ended up on my fingers. So, no sivivon earrings this year. I'll have to wait until dad can fix them.
Actually, last year I did light a Chanukia, but it was for a project in which I pasted myself into photographs of family occasions that I missed out on since I was in Israel. Here's the relevant photo in case you didn't see it before.
So here's my family at home, and the me part was photographed in the studio at school, millions of miles away and months after the holiday season. That was actually a fun project. I'm considering continuing it this year if I get the time/inspiration.
Right as I was setting up my camera to photograph the candles, it started getting really loud outside. This is what I saw (lots of Arab kids standing and yelling in the middle of the road in front of the high school). I thought the lights went well with tonight's post theme.
But mostly, this post is just a reassurance to my mom that I am celebrating the holiday even though I'm not at home. I said the prayers and everything, awkwardly by myself, but awkward is better than missing out. I'm thinking of you and the rest of the family.
Happy first night!
Sincerely Sophie
I'm glad that we could talk today and Skype yesterday and we can do both tomorrow, if you want!!!! I wish that I was there with you to celebrate and to give you gifts, but, mostly to be with you.
Love,
Daddy
Posted by: daddy | 20 December 2011 at 07:04 PM
Aww Soph, we missed you tonight! Nothing too crazy/monumental happened. Love you!
Posted by: Alana | 20 December 2011 at 10:43 PM
Oh, Soph, I miss you so much. Tonight, I showed that Light Up the Night video to my students, and seeing all those young Israelis celebrating Chanukah made me miss you so much, I started tearing up. Good thing the lights were out. It would be so much better a holiday if we could celebrate together. Maybe we could play dreydl over Skype??? Or I could play some of the Chanukah songs for you from the cheesy Chanukah Clock??? Tradition!!!!
P.S. Your Chanukiah is beautiful.
Posted by: Mon | 20 December 2011 at 10:53 PM