The Night Before Hanukkah

The Night before Hanukkah
By Melinda Bell

Twas the first night of Hanukkah and all through the house
Pleasure was spreading, as quick as a mouse.

The children played dreidle and ate with such glee
Oh latkes and donuts a pleasure to see!

The menorah was placed by the window with care
So all who came by could see it was there.

We sang lots of songs, and told lots of stories
About the Maccabees and all of their glories.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter
I sprang from my chair to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutter and threw up the sash.

When what to my wondering eye should appear
But a vision of Judah the Maccabee there!

As he walked from the hill he was so proud to say
That the war had been won, we were all free to stay!

The Greeks were defeated and so it was sure
The Israelites could stay in their homeland so pure.

He wanted to go to the temple and pray
But needed to warn of a hitch on the way.

The temple was ruined by some in the war
It was dark, and I worried we'd be lost for sure.

As we traveled to Jerusalem on some mighty trail
Judah assured me that we would not fail.

The night was dark, as I feared it would be
Hey we were traveling through the 2nd century.

But far, far above us, we saw a bright light
Coming from the window of the temple that night.

Those that had gathered there were quick to say
There was just enough oil to last only one day.

They worried as news of the victory spread
Others would be lost, or left asleep in their bed.

Those that came after would not get to see
The lamp which told of our victory.

The faithful were sure that all would right
And that one cruse of oil would last us eight nights.

As the eight nights befell us, it soon became clear
The lamp would stay lit...darkness was nothing to fear.

So now to this day, each year we celebrate
The Festival of Lights for eight nights on this date.

And so as you enjoy the great gift of light,
Happy Hanukkah to all, and to all a good night.

-OndineMonet
"Dreidle And Coins"
Berkeley, California
December 25th
Afternoon