365 (not just 8) Days of Hanukkah Miracles

 "There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."

~Albert Einstein

 

A miracle happened to me over the holiday winter season of 2013-14. I converted to Judaism 2 years ago, and while I was studying and studying to know all about the religion, I still could not say I was a Jew--because I had not converted by mikvah yet--even though I had a Jewish soul and felt like a Jew, I did  not become official until after my beit din mikvah bath at the Synagogue in Wilmette. After my mikvah--things changed--and there was a miracle that happened in my life.
 

The miracle that I experienced was getting all Hanukkah cards in the mail instead of Christmas cards. Not one of my Christian friends sent me a Christmas card. I received the most beautiful Hanukkah cards in the mail instead. My sister sent me a gorgeous blue-ish colored card that said "Bright and happy days to you at Hanukkah and always." My cousin sent me a turquoise colored card that says Happy Hanukkah on the front and inside it says "8 Days to Celebrate!!" My mother sent me a Season's Greetings card and on the inside it says "Wishing you every happiness this holiday season and throughout the coming year."

 

I saw carolers during the holidays and when they finished singing Christmas songs, they afterwards came up to me and said to me "Happy Hanukkah!" I wear a yamulkhe and a tallit katan in public and so am dressed obviously as a Jew--and received the nicest Hanukkah greetings from everyone. I lighted a large electric menorah that was in our front window each of the 8 nights, and it shone brilliantly and boldly in the night; warming up all who looked at it.

 

Yes, this year--Hanukkah was my personal miracle all 8 days of its length. On these days my own light shone forth; and I was as happy as could be--seeing miracles happening everywhere--all 8 days and after that too. We as Jews do not hate Christmas; and we do not hate people who are less religious than ourselves; and we love being greeted appropriately with a great big giant and smiley "Happy Hanukkah!!!"

Thanks to everyone who made my Hanukkah as happy as can be.