Ahhh: The warming glow of ChanukahAfter the questions I posed, and the thoughts I was kicking around the other day about the pre-Christmas frenzy, it was with great delight I read this article over on Aish today that, though not exactly related to what I was talking about, it is a lovely article about the stillness and introspection that comes of Chanukah. I was loving it after reading this in the second paragraph: "In a world that thrives on flashy externals, Chanukah focuses our attention inwards, urging us to purify ourselves so that the flame we shine into the world will be strong and bright." But, once they olives to illumination and conclusion about cans of tuna can into play, I was loving it even more. Anyway, go read. It's lovely, and that very kind of Jewcy-goodness that I dig to death.

Ritual Well is another source I check often to see different approaches and ways to examine traditions, which I've mentioned here a few times. Anyhoot, for Chanukah, they're running a piece from Kolot Center for Jewish Women's and Gender Studies that is a slightly-tinkered version of Chanukah brachot with male and female pronouns, in Hebrew, transliterated Hebrew and English. Also, a nice piece (which does relate to my Christmas post from the other day a bit) suggesting ways to keep/make Chanukah less material that I like and actually follow a version of myself. Lastly there's an interesting and very different take on candle lighting each night of Chanukah by attaching physical and emotional language and imagery to each observance.