“The Magic Menorah”

was created especially for

Andrew Thomas Jones of Redford, Michigan

at the age of 5

With Love From,

Mommy & Daddy

December, 2001

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Andrew Thomas Jones woke up early on a cold December morning in Redford, Michigan. He was excited about the day to come. He knew that this evening would mark the beginning of Hanukkah, his favorite holiday of the year.

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Andy loved Hanukkah. He loved the way his family prepared for it. There were decorations to be hung, latkes to be made, presents to be wrapped and menorahs to be polished.

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Andy went into the kitchen to help Mom with the preparations. "Andy," said Mom, "it's time for you to go to the attic and get the decorations."

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Andy was proud of his special job. Each year he brought the decorations down from the attic and helped Mom place them around the house.

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There were long strands of shiny blue and silver stars and huge colored banners that said, "HAPPY HANUKKAH." There were dreidels of all shapes and sizes and lots of menorahs.

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Now, as Andy jumped up the stairs to the attic, he could hardly wait to begin his task. When he reached the attic, he went right to the boxes of decorations and started to make his choices.

He started to think about the evening and all of the presents he would receive.

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Andy said out loud, "I can hardly wait to open my presents. I hope Mom remembers that toy I wanted."

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"But there is more to Hanukkah than just receiving presents," a voice answered back.

Andy turned around to see where the voice came from, but there was no one there. "Who said that, and where are you?" Andy asked with great surprise.

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"Over here, in the corner." the voice replied. "Look under the blue cloth."

Andy went to the corner, pulled back the cloth and found the most beautiful menorah he had ever seen. It was so different from the other menorahs in the house.

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This menorah was silver, and it sat on a rounded base. It stretched upwards like a totem pole before it branched out into nine candle holders, which were rounded like tiny cups.

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The menorah spoke again. "I am a magic menorah, Andrew Thomas Jones. I have chosen to speak to you about the true meaning of Hanukkah."

"It is a gift to keep and treasure and one that you must pass on to your own children. Sit down and listen as I share this story with you."

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Andy sat down and listened as the magic menorah began its story.

"Long ago, when Israel was called Palestine, the Jewish people lived under the rule of a Syrian king named Antiochus. This king prayed to idols and wanted the Jews to do the same."

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"He passed laws forbidding the practice of Judaism. Antiochus felt he could force the Jews to give up God and their religion."

"As a final blow, he sent his army to destroy the holy Temple in Jerusalem. He thought that he could break the Jewish spirit."

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"But the Jews, who loved their God and their freedom, refused to give in to Antiochus. They fought back against overwhelming odds and reclaimed what was rightfully theirs."

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"These freedom-fighters, called the Maccabees, restored the holy Temple. They re-lit the great Menorah with only a small flask of holy oil. The oil lasted for eight long days."

"Since that time, we celebrate eight days of Hanukkah to remember the 'Lights of Freedom'."

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With these words, the magic menorah fell silent. Andy picked up the menorah and took it down to the kitchen.

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Before Andy could say anything, Mom said, "Andy, you found my silver menorah. My parents brought it back from Israel as a Hanukkah gift when I was about your age. It is very special to me. Let's use it tonight." Andy happily agreed.

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And that evening, as the first candle was lit, Andy and Mom smiled curious little smiles.

They shared a special secret, the secret of the magic menorah.

THE END