Chanukah - Night One

This first night of Chanukah happened not as I planned, but exactly as it should going to go to a big party with a $10 fee/donation to get in. Since I had decided to go to San Diego last minute, by the time I got back to L.A. today, I was running a little late for that party. I stopped by the A.T.M. on my way home and noticed my local Chabad setting up a giant menorah and with a small street blocked off, permits and all for the menorah lighting.

I decided I would go to my local Chanukah celebration instead of across town. The party was nice, quaint. There was of course sufganiyot, latkes, some deli food, decorations, bouncy jumpy things for kids, toys and dreidles for kids, and free aluminum menorahs and candles for all. :) The entertainment included a member of the community doing mime and magic which the kids loved (the pic is them pretending to be dreidels)!
(umm, so did the adults, more than the kids maybe) Later on they played "Mitzvahnairre", a take on "Who wants to be a Millionaire".

Afterwards a friend needed a ride home, so I volunteered. As we arrived at her home, you could see half a dozen menorahs set up in the window, and tons of people milling about. She invited me in, and I accepted graciously. Being Chabadniks, Chanukah is a big joyous family get together time. WOW! What a big family! I was invited in, welcomed, invited to stay for dinner, and was even given the traditional Chanukah gelt (not chocolate). I put the $5 that her father gave me into my tzedakah bank. Their family was amazing. I've never heard Chanukah songs sung with such enthusiasm and joy. The love illuminated the home even more than the Hanukkiahs. I had so much fun watching the family laugh and kvetch and joke and sing. I was the only non family member. It was a lovely evening and a blessing to share in familial celebrations. My family got together for Chanukah a week ago, but we don't celebrate the same way, so this was special.