Miracles: Day 2 of Hanukkah

Although for the last few days we at The Lower 48 (Plus 2) have been celebrating Christmas Across America, we would also like to celebrate with our Jewish friends The Festival of Lights, or Hanukkah, marking the re dedication of the Second Temple (Holy Temple) in Jerusalem in the 2nd Century BC Revolution of the Maccabees.

While I am Catholic, I humbly recognize that the roots of my Church are undeniably planted in the Faith of Moses, Catholicism and Judaism being different branches of the same tree.

Today is Day 2 of Hanukkah. Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha'olam, asher qiddeshanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu lehadliq ner shel Hanukkah. (Blessed are You, LORD, our God, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah light[s).

הנרות הללו אנחנו מדליקים על הנסים ועל הנפלאות ועל התשואות ועל המלחמות שעשית לאבותינו בימים ההם, בזמן הזה על ידי כהניך הקדושים. וכל שמונת ימי חנוכה הנרות הללו קודש הם, ואין לנו רשות להשתמש בהם אלא להאיר אותם בלבד כדי להודות ולהלל לשמך הגדול על נסיך ועל נפלאותיך ועל ישואותיך. ( We light these lights for the miracles and the wonders, for the redemption and the battles that you made for our forefathers, in those days at this season, through your holy priests. During all eight days of Hanukkah these lights are sacred, and we are not permitted to make ordinary use of them except for to look at them in order to express thanks and praise to Your great Name for Your miracles, Your wonders and Your salvations.)

If you, like me, have a very limited knowledge of Judaism, the links in this post will open your eyes and your heart to its beauty. Please take a moment to click on them and allow the Light of God to shine upon your soul.

Chag Hanukka Sameach.

Shalom.

***Photos courtesy of Monkey in the Middle***