Celebrating light

I arrived in Jerusalem like a doe-eyed lover in a budding relationship: I wanted to be swept off my feet. I wrote then:

"They" say that "of the 10 portions of beauty that came down to the world, 9 went to Jerusalem and one to the rest of the world." The next verse reads "of the 10 portions of suffering that came down to the world, 9 went to Jerusalem and one to the rest of the world." 

I wished then: "For today, though, world -- please, let me just savor the beautiful light."

The world has been generous with me. In December, when natural light hides early, the holidays gift us with an extra glimmer. I have always been attached to holidays, all the holidays, regardless of whether I observe them. Ramadan, Yom Kippur, Christmas, Holi -- sign me up for all of them. This week, Jerusalem is aglow with the light of Hanukkah. In the candlelight, when I squint, I feel like I can see all portions of beauty that have made it into this world.

Hanukkah candles on the second day of the holiday in the Old City of Jerusalem 

A hint of Christmas

Reflection of a candle and blue Hanukkah lights on a cafe table

A hip menorah in an art gallery of West Jerusalem

A little bit of bargaining later, these became our Hanukkah candle-holders.

Our lit candles and their reflection on the windows