Growing up as a young boy on the south side of Chicago, I loved sports and Hebrew school. I hesitate to call my self a Hebrew school junkie, but I loved going there. Learning Hebrew was a new world for me that I loved exploring, and studying the fascinating stories of the Torah gave my imagination new horizons and vistas. I loved celebrating the Jewish holidays, and I freely admit that as a member of a rather materialistic culture, I adored Hannukah because of the 8 gifts that I received!

The story of Hannukah that I learned in Hebrew school talked about the miracle of the small cruze of oil lasting 8 days, instead of one. I gladly accepted that mircle as the gospel truth and could imagine no other explanation. But reading the books of the Maccabees, preserved by the ancient church, I am exposed to a different explanation for Channukah, the Maccabees and the 8 days of celebration.

In a concise and perceptive article written by Rabbi Manuel Gold, he brings sources from the first and second Book of the Maccabees that make no mention whatsoever of the oil and the miracle. The first source is from the first Book of Maccabees, compiled after 120 BC, and written in Hebrew.

They also made new sacred vessels, and they brought the lamp stand ... into the Temple. They burned incense on the altar and lit the lights on the lamp stand, and the Temple was filled with light.... For eight days they celebrated the dedication of th

When I decided that my calling was in the rabbinate, I met with my rabbi to discuss my decision. Part of our discussion focused on the interview that I would have to undergo at the institution that I was applying to. My rabbi/teacher read my essays of application, told me about the wonders and joys of serving in God's vineyard, and told me about his many years of service. I left his presence uplifted and more determined than ever that this was my calling in life.

My next step was to buy a new shirt, tie and suit for the interview. My father took me to the local men's store and I picked out a suitable suit. When I met with the tailor, an elderly Jewish gentleman my father couldn't help but brag to him that his son was going to be a rabbi. The tailor's reaction was my introduction to the rabbinate. He began confessing to me his many sins, including why he didn't go to synagogue more often. I realized he was asking me to tell him that he is a good Jew.

After 23 years in the rabbinate I have experienced many similar moments, and it is clear to me that Jews often feel a deep-seated need to confess. As we approach the Days of Awe, Rosh

Yesterday Rena, Maytal and I drove north to a Bat Mitzvah of friends who recently moved to the lower Galilee. During a portion of our journey we drove along the beautiful eastern edge of the Carmel mountain range (Reches Carmel). At one point it was clear that we could see and smell smoke from the blaze raging on the other side of the Carmel. Every hour on the hour we listened to the heartbreaking news accounts of the funerals taking place all over the country for the members of the prison services who were engulfed in flames when their bus was surprised by a 100 foot high wall of fire. So many men and women... young and middle aged...most leaving behind grieving spouses and children. Just a few minutes ago it was announced that Ahuva Tomer, the police chief of Haifa, whose car was following the bus, died from burns over 100% of her body. May their memories be for a blessing.

The Bat Mitzvah was held at Chavat Derech Hatavlinim, a spice farm just outside of Beit Lechem Haglilit, a former German Templar colony from the 19th century. The gorgeous, tranquil pastoral setting belied the terrorizing fire raging 10 kilometers away. After davenning, dancing and eating delicious food, we drove to my relatives in nearby Kfar Yehoshua. We met at my cousin Muli's home with his wife, his sister and her husband. Of course, we sat around talking about the fire still raging kilometers away from their home. Muli is 73 and his

Here, in the land of Israel, the olive-picking season begins in mid-October and lasts approximately one to two months. The olive harvest has always been an integral part of agricultural life in Israel, as olive oil is one of the three basic crops: grain, wine and oil (Deuteremony 28:51). Its importance in biblical times cannot be overstated as it was used for eating, cooking, lighting, healing and anointing. In Deuteronomy 8:7-8 we learn the following: For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land with streams and springs and fountains issuing from plain and hill; a land of wheat and barley, of vines, figs, and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey. Thus it is one of the seven species, and the three main crops, which symbolize the richness and beauty of the land of Israel.

The bible teaches us that olive oil was used to light the menorah, thereby bringing light to the tabernacle, the desert sanctuary. In Exodus 27:20 the Israelites are instructed to bring "clear oil of beaten olives lighting, for kindling lamps regularly," which were set up in the tent of meeting. Biblical and rabbinic scholars believe that this oil was used in the 7 pronged candelabra (menorah) and in the eternal lamp, the ner tamid.

This detail is important for us to fully understand