Episode 27: "The Lights" (+)

The week of Hannukah was such a special time here in Jerusalem. Along with the celebration of a hard-won victory of the Maccabees at the Temple Mount, there was also a warm and lighthearted atmosphere to the goings-on. Everywhere you turned there were free jelly-filled donuts being given out. And every night that my flat-mates could gather, Roni and Brian would sing a Hannukah prayer song while lighting the menorah. It really was a joyous occasion.

On the last day of Hannukah, I went out on a field trip with my Religious Foundations of Judaism class. We explored a lot of Old City Jerusalem as my favorite teacher, Raphael Jospe, informed us of each site's historical significance. We visited the Kotel and the underground tunnels alongside it, other archaeological sites, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and more. Looking back, it was a perfectly timed trip. I was spending the eighth day of Hannukah learning about ancient Jewish history up close. Jospe is the man, so the whole lesson was a lot of fun. He even got us a bunch of free donuts to eat.

Inside the Temple-side tunnels.

Waterways of antiquity.

Professor Jospe, being the man.

After the trip, I went back to the Kotel with Roni, Brian, Eric and Becca to be there for the final lighting. There was a public menorah lit once a day each day of Hannukah, and this was the grand finale. As always, seeing so many dedicated people at a religious event was beautiful. The ambiance was reverent and spirits were high. I am so fortunate to have been part of that ceremony.

The menorah at the Kotel.


The crowd.


One hardcore menorah.

The celebration.

This place is so incredibly special.

Shalom,
Eric