People can learn from the message of Hanukkah because light can be found among challenging and often dark times, even in 2020. - Houston Chronicle

​Growing up, one of my favourite Jewish holidays was Chanukah, for lots of reasons. Like most of my favourite festivals, it involves seeing my friends and family and eating great food. This particular holiday also involved being given 8 days worth of gifts, so a 6 year old me was always delighted with life. 

Interestingly, in a year when I have not been able to see friends and family as much as I wanted to, I am more excited than I've ever been. The central message of Chanukah is endurance, and that even in the darkest of times you will have enough light to get you through the worst of times. So, tonight, I will be eating doughnuts and food cooked in oil with my husband and children, we will light our Chanukkiah and will look forward to spending next year with our extended family.  

This year has been a year of challenge and endurance for many of us, but I hope that anyone celebrating tonight takes comfort from the candles. And for anyone new to Chanukah, please feel free to enjoy a doughnut with us in mind tonight! May you all continue to endure, even in the darkest hours.

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