Why is Chanuka REALLY 8 Nights?! 🤌🏼
Jan 07, 2025
A’ Freilichin Chanuka!
Let me tell you why Chanukah is really 8 nights.
You know why Chanukah is really 8 nights?
BECAUSE IT TAKES 8 NIGHTS TO GET IT RIGHT! 
It takes 8 tries to make sure everyone is actually home, no one is crying, and there are no temper tantrums. It takes 8 nights to ensure the oil glasses actually fit into the menorah (honestly, that’s the huge nes of Chanukah if they do fit), that we have enough oil for everyone who wants to light, plus candles for the littles. It takes 8 nights to decide on the tunes and to make sure everyone is singing on key—and, most importantly, that we have enough “Maoz Tzur” cards for everyone to hold, even if they’re covered in oil.
And what about rushing out to a Chanukah parties? Somehow always coming late no matter what time you leave and making sure the kids aren’t completely zonked from last night’s party, and, of course, that the gifts actually arrived on time, AND you remembered a gift everyone! (bonus points if they’re wrapped). ETC. ETC. ETC!
Has this happened to you yet this Chanukah? (close your eyes and imagine the following scene!)
Everyone is home on time and ready at the menorah as shkiah sets in. No one has anywhere to go. The silver is polished to perfection. The candles are prepared in advance. The older kids are in the best moods, so grateful for anything you bought them. The little kids are bathed and clean (matching pajamas are cute but not required), no one is sick, and everyone is feeling great and happy. Everyone loved their gift, beautifully packaged and on time. The lights are dimmed, the singing begins with arms around each other, maybe even a little family Chanukah tantz, followed by a family Tehillim. (Fireplace in the background also amazing but not required.) All this with freshly fried donuts and latkes on the side.
If you’ve had this, then you’ve experienced… a CHANUKAH MIRACLE!! 
But don’t feel bad if it hasn’t happened yet. It taka takes 8 nights to get it right—sometimes even 8 years.
Here’s the thing: Chanukah is generally filled with such a happy, warm, cozy memories. And these mishaps and noisy kids, disappointing gifts, frustrations, and Chanukah rushes, and oil spills, and fever … are all part of it.
So, tantrums or not, if it’s overall a positive experience, let’s pat ourselves on the back for another great Chanuka! 
, SHIFI
