OT: Festival of Lights, to all our Jewish friends!

Thank you, Noreen! And a wonderful first night it was here. Our synagogue joined up with a group called STAR - I forget what it stands for, sorry - and has started doing what is called Synaplex Shabbats. A few times a year a regular Shabbat service turns into a true event, with a time for schmoozing before the service, a fun musical service, dinner, workshops and discussions, and fun for the kids. Last night was the second one we did, and it was great. Our choirs, adult and junior, sang at the service, which was an all-music service. My older daughter sings with the adults, and the youngest is in the junior choir, and the music was marvelous, as always; our cantor has a lovely voice (which can be heard on her website,

- shameless plug ). Rabbi's lesson included a "visit" from Judah the Maccabee, who's magical pitcher kept producing oil when it appeared it had all been dumped out. We didn't stay for anything else 'cause Sarah was getting tired and restless, and she wanted to go home to light candles, but the dinner smelled wonderful, and there was face painting and crafts for the kids. Our education director was showing some short films with discussions afterwards, which I would have liked to attend, but maybe next time.

Happy Hanukkah to all who celebrate.

The Other Kim kimagreenfieldatyahoodotcom

Here is a great holiday story. KIRO radio was doing all day neighbor radio - reporting needs and connecting people with those who could help etc. Someone called in from a seniors apartment complex that had lost power and said that she had a knock on the door and someone was there with hot soup for her saying that it was brought in honor of the first night. She had only had peanut butter sandwiches up to that point and was extremely grateful for their thoughtfulness - but they didn't leave a name or anything - just said they wanted to reach out before lighting the first candle of their menorah.

Judy