Hanukkah begins tonight at sundown.
According to Wikipedia:
From the Hebrew word for “dedication” or “consecration”, Hanukkah marks the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration by the forces of Antiochus IV and commemorates the “miracle of the container of oil”. According to the Talmud, at the re-dedication following the victory of the Maccabees over the Seleucid Empire, there was only enough consecrated olive oil to fuel the eternal flame in the Temple for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, which was the length of time it took to press, prepare and consecrate fresh olive oil.
In the same way a parent is able to lift a car off their child, or a person survives when their chute doesn’t open, the Hanukkah story represents a miracle of faith.
As writers, we sometimes dismiss our craft as something ordinary and unimportant even though we, like the prophets who first wrote down the bible stories, are doing our best to create the stories that will educate and inspire future generations.
Writing is not always easy or rewarding but when it goes right, it’s a miracle. Keep the faith.
As an exercise:
Take a moment to consider which 8 things your character would want for Hanukkah. Are they wants or needs? Will they get what they ask for? Do they ask for things for themselves, or a gift they can share with others?
