Bubbie, my sweet grandmother, is a small woman, barely five feet tall. Her candelabra wasn't just a candle holder used for the Sabbath and Hanukkah lights. It was a family symbol. The candelabra was a magnet that brought family and friends together. On Sabbath evenings Bubbie would don a special Shabbos kerchief. With great fanfare she would light each candle...

When I hear the plans for increased U.S. troop build up in Iraq I wonder where are we heading? Why is it so important that we have such a large presence there? Haven’t we lost enough lives fighting for the region? Our military and elected officials tell us that our forces will guarantee Iraq’s national elections. By providing a show of force democracy is within reach. Stability will prevail and the people will live happily ever after.

This year Chanukah and Xmas are celebrated at the same time. Chanukah begins Friday night, December 19th and Xmas on December 25th. With the conversions of the two religious holidays, celebrated by millions, there must be a message for us. I believe it is bringing the light of spirituality and freedom into the world. It really doesn’t matter what religion you are as long as you get the message.

When I was a youngster I couldn't wait for the bright holiday of Chanukah to arrive. It was a fun-filled time. I knew that my family would hold its great get together. Uncles, aunts and cousins would come to my home where my Bubbie (grandmother) was living...

Ever since the September 11th bombing I have been wondering how we Americans will celebrate the holidays. With thousands of our servicemen stationed in Islamic countries I know that, for them, the chances of a happy holiday looks slim. Many families will not be together for the celebrations.

After World War II Jewish Polish citizens who survived the war by hiding in forests returned to Poland. There they found their homes destroyed, synagogues burned and their businesses taken over by the government. They were told that their families were all killed or lost in the Russian Siberia. What were Polish Jews doing in Siberia, you may wonder.

This month children from all religions are extremely busy. They are looking over the latest toys and gadgets found in circulars from Best and Service Merchandise. The kids have been collecting advertised prices for the toy that will soon be theirs. Their job is to leave hints for toys that their parents and friends will buy.

This week my family will celebrate Chanukah. It was approximately 2150 years ago that a small band of Jews ousted the Assyrian Greek regime in Israel. When the Jews entered Jerusalem they wished to rekindle the temple's candelabra called the menorah. When the Jewish fighters cleared the temple of idols and dirt, they discovered only a small amount of pure oil, enough for a day. Miraculously, it burned continuously for eight days. Therefore, Chanukah is called "the festival of lights" commemorating the lights of the menorah.

Scott Harris, Los Angeles Times Staff reporter, wrote a story called, "Religious Symbols: 'Tis the Season for Contention." In Downey's Civic Center, Mary, Joseph and the Three Wise Men are huddled around the manger. They always show up this time of year, whether the American Civil Liberties Union likes it or not. . ."

Now that the holiday of Chanukah has passed children are getting ready for the Christmas celebrations. How does a Rabbi, the Jewish educator, deal with the holiday season? I believe it is best to know the meaning of both holidays and find similarities and reasons for rejoicing.