Thoughts On The First Night Of Hanukkah

Tonight is the first night of Hanukkah.

For me, Hanukkah is the story of survival against all odds. It can be argued that the Hanukkah is essentially the story of military victory, but for me, it is so much more.

It’s about a minority group who in spite of assimilation and persecution is not only able to beat back the conquering army, but also able to openly celebrate who they are.

It’s no secret that throughout most of human history Jews have been at best tolerated and at worst, murdered. But we survived and we are still here. Hanukkah speaks to the miracle of the holiday, the human ingenuity and the human strength to survive when all seems lost.

Wherever you are, if you celebrate, have a Happy Hanukkah.

 

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Thoughts On SNL’s Impression Of The Late President Bush And His Reaction

There was a time in this country when political satire was merely part and parcel of the way that the voting public viewed those who they voted into office.

In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, Dana Carvey portrayed then President George H.W. Bush on Saturday Night Live.

It was brilliant, it was funny and most of all, the real President Bush laughed along with the rest of America.

With his passing yesterday, the country is in mourning for not just a President, but a politician who understood and appreciated the value of political satire.

These days, depending on where you stand on the political spectrum, political satire is either a way to let off the stress one feels about those currently in the corridors of power or it is deeply offensive.

As I stated in yesterday’s post about the late President Bush, I was too young back then to have a reaction to the decisions he made while in office. But I look back now and if nothing else, I appreciate that he understood that political satire was an important aspect of the American political scene.

It would be nice if the current White House resident understood that.

 

Rebecca Book Review

After one’s spouse passes on, it is common for the surviving spouse to remarry after a period of time. The question is, has the surviving spouse moved on or does the memories of their late husband or wife live on?

In the classic novel, Rebecca, by Daphne du Maurier, the main character is a young woman who is only named once in the story. Working as a paid companion for a wealthy American socialite, she meets Maxim de Winter in France. Maxim is a good twenty years older than the narrative, wealthy and a widower. They quickly fall in love and marry.

After the honeymoon, the newlyweds arrive at Maxim’s estate, named Manderley to start their new lives together. But something is off. Mrs. Danvers, the housekeeper can only be described as sinister. Though the late Mrs. de Winter, Rebecca, has passed on, her presence is still felt. Can the narrative discover the secrets of the past, or will Rebecca haunt them forever?

I’ve heard of this book, but I’ve never read it until now. I am so glad that I did. I was on the edge of my seat, wondering what secrets this house held and how long it would be before those secrets were revealed.

I recommend it.