Tradition.....Tradition!

Chelsea, our Project Outreach Volunteer from U of M, came to share her family's tradition with us.  She proudly explained that her family celebrates Hanukkah (and Christmas) and told how Hanukkah actually begins tonight (how appropriate).  She told of how her family has been lighting the same Menorah ( a nine-pronged candle holder) for generations, one candle for each of the eight nights.  She told of the Shammash candle's very important job of lighting the other candles and how the candles are allowed to burn all the way down and are not blown out.  She  further explained how the family says a special prayer before lighting the candle each night.

We practiced saying in Hebrew "The name of me is......... (HA SHEM SHALL LEE)"

Niccolo asked, "Are those pictures you can read like a butterfly or a chrysalis?"  Chelsea explained that those symbols ("gimmel", "shin", "hey", "nun") collectively mean, " A great miracle happened here!"

Kai stated that," the colorful candles on the holder light on fire".

Chelsea read a beautiful story of the history of Hanukkah and the children enthusiastically pointed out the menorah.  She also explained that the Hebrew language in the past was spoken, written, and read each in different ways and then became what is now Hebrew universally.   Lastly she explained  the "dreidel" game (a traditional Hebrew game using a spinning top) complete with chocolate coins for us to take home.  Thanks for sharing your family's tradition, Chelsea!