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A Happy Minor Holiday

A happy minor holiday
  That's what Chanukah was
'Till its proximity to Christmas
   gave it an American buzz

In days of old, we lit the candles
   Spun the dreidel** for mere pennies --
Now with ceremonies in the public square
   and lavish presents, oh-so-many

Chanukah's theme of dedication
   ~ Does there remain any?



** a dreidel is Yiddish for a spinning top

Copyright © Gershon Wolf | Year Posted 2019

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Caren Krutsinger Date: 12/13/2019 7:17:00 AM My grandson's preschool was at the Jewish Community Center. He is 12, but still has the trophy he received at age 4 for "top dreidel spinner". So proud! Loves Chanukah too! I love this for him! Thank you for the reminder. We need to honor and revere each other's holidays and traditions! Login to Reply Gershon Wolf Date: 12/13/2019 1:07:00 PM Top dreidel spinner at age four... Is he gong to compete in the Maccabee Games in Israel in that event when he's 16?! Smiles, Gerson

Kim Rodrigues Date: 12/12/2019 9:19:00 PM When I ran after-school program , I enjoyed playing the dreidel game with the kids and playing the song. :) Login to Reply Gershon Wolf Date: 12/12/2019 11:04:00 PM That dreidel game is fun for kids from 4 to 400, methinks. Thanks, Kim. :) gw

Ilene Bauer Date: 12/12/2019 5:12:00 PM when i was a kid, wishing i could have a christmas tree, i tried to make myself feel better with the 8 presents we got for the 8 nights of chanukah. i'm sure i wasn't alone in that! i don't think it's so bad that chanukah gets a bit more attention, now, gershon. well written poem! Login to Reply Gershon Wolf Date: 12/12/2019 5:55:00 PM Thank you for this insight from your personal experience, ilene! Coming of age in extremely Jewish surroundings, I didn't see things such as 'Chanukah bushes,' and certainly couldn't imagine wanting one or any of the accoutrements round about it! Happy Holdays!

John Gondolf Date: 12/12/2019 3:24:00 PM Perhaps the true meaning of Chanukah has gone the way of the true meaning of Christmas...everything has become so commercial. Nicely penned, Gershon, happy holidays to you and yours. John Login to Reply Gershon Wolf Date: 12/12/2019 3:43:00 PM John, thank you for your noble insight and for your support. A very merry holiday season to you and to all the Gondolfs! Cheers, Gershon

Chris Green Date: 12/12/2019 2:18:00 PM When I was young (yes, that long ago) one of my father's best friends was Jewish and during the holidays in our house we would put up a Christmas Tree and a Chanukah Bush (His friend's suggestion for a name). It was a tradition for many years. Login to Reply Gershon Wolf Date: 12/12/2019 2:51:00 PM Heh, heh: Your father's friend was n good company. I think that the occupant of the White House b/t 2001-2009 also put up the same two things. Wasn't his name George or something?! :) Thanks, Chris. LA&FA (Long Ago and Far Away)