My little mensch
We’re preparing for a Hanukkah party on Tuesday night, usually we have one on the eighth night. We moved it up because we had renters who wanted the house on the weekend of the 14th and the 8th night falls on the 15th. It turns out after rearranging my life to accommodate the renters – two house cleanings to show it, rescheduling my sacred eighth night, they opted out at the last minute. Ah, the ways of the world are mysterious.
Tonight, friends stopped by spontaneously, first one set and then another, and we lit the menorah together. Our menorahs are so beautiful, the light reflects in the window and out towards the bayou, and it makes me feel so good and centered.
Tin knows his shamash (helper candle) and he loves to light the menorah because it means he will get a present. But tonight he went beyond that and gave one of his presents to his friend. It was the glittery silver train ornament I had bought him despite the fact that we don’t have a tree.
Later, while tucking him in, he sat on the edge of the bed and said, “We have to make plans now.” For what? “We have people coming to the house and I realize … we need food. We should make some latkes, we should definitely have pasta, and we should have food.” My mensch – so wise for his age, so beautiful and free. My Hanukkah gift.
On the first night he received a train menorah and train sheets. He was a little thrilled over the menorah and not so thrilled over the sheets – a true Hanukkah gift in its practicality. But he loved them tonight when he crawled in bed and saw them.
Lighting the menorahs is best done with friends.
The beauty of the season is bringing light into the darkness. May all people be happy and free.