Happy Hanukkah!

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I can’t believe it’s already that time of year. Generally, I associate Hanukkah with cold nights in upstate NY, cuddled up in five or six different layers, reading by the fireplace until it’s time to eat latkes (potato pancakes) and light the hanukkiah candles, looking out on the snow and ice covering the world outside. Instead, I am in Bombay, wondering at the still 95-degree heat, the clear blue skies, the green palm trees lining dusty lanes.

Last week, we had a small Hanukkah party at the JCC for the Gan Katan kids. We told the story of Hanukkah, asking them to use clues to find missing words that we needed for the story (i.e. Antiochus, Maccabee, eternal flame, etc.). We played “pin the shamash (helper candle) on the hanukkiah,” and we taught the kids how to play dreidel. We ate some snacks, and we even awarded prizes to the best competitors. All in all, it was a minor event, but I think it was something the kids really needed – and that the community at large could have done with.

Learning to play dreidel

Cute girls in cute dresses

Then, Sarah and I decided to hold a Hanukkah party for some of our friends here in Bombay. We cancelled because it seemed like no one wanted to come, and then a bunch of people came anyway! I made applesauce, potato pancakes (latkes) and sweet potato pancakes from scratch, and friends brought drinks and snacks – both Indian and American. Our JDC country director, who was in from Israel for a few days, even came! We explained the story of Hanukkah, lit the candles, played dreidel, ate lots of oil-packed treats, and shared one of the most fun Jewish holidays with our non-Jewish Indian friends.

Potato latkes in the making

The miracles of Hanukkah

Enjoying latkes!

Family Hanukkah photo

And for good measure, here’s one of me and Sarah enjoying falafel (me) and shwarma (Sarah) while we were in Israel for the Emergency Evacuation (Vacation?) a few weeks ago:

Israel is tasty

I apologize, but I’m going to be going on hiatus for a couple of weeks (maybe less, if I can find the time and the Internet connection). My younger sister Sydney arrived earlier today from Albany to spend a week traveling around India with me. We’re off to Delhi, Agra, and Rishikesh after a couple of days relaxing and getting over jetlag in Mumbai… Then, I’ll have a couple days back in Mumbai after she leaves and before I head to Israel for the mid-year seminar (how is it already time for the mid-year seminar??).

So, everyone, please take care and be well. I hope that your Hanukkahs were full of light, your Christmases full of festivity,  your stomachs full of holiday fare, and your holiday seasons full of happiness and warmth. Happy (encroaching) 2009: May it be a year of health, happiness, fulfillment, unexpected adventures, and unparalleled memories.

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