Every year I spend one night of Hanukkah with my grandmother, who is 89 years old. And every year it seems that I manage to leave this poor woman in tears.

Men and women who are grateful to God for daily miracles as well as extraordinary acts of salvation may subscribe to either of the stories of Hanukkah.

The menorah is a brand that stands for faith in the everlasting, for transcendental transformation and the power to reshape our fragmented world. And its light cannot be hoarded.

Perhaps it is because of an awkward duality in our historical narratives that we often retreat to the broader themes and rituals of Hanukkah rather than the complexities of its underlying history.

As a straight ally, I want my LGBT family and friends to have all the same freedoms I have. I see progress every day.

It became very clear, very early on, that my friends had a way better gig going, holiday-wise, than the Zevin boys did. But now that I've evolved into a mature adult, I am pleased to report that December is no longer the cruelest month.

Dear Hanukkah, I love you, but I hate your cultural representation. I don't blame you. I know that your calendar slot dooms your loveliness.

For Jews, practicing our religion has never been as straightforward. Throughout history we have had to fight and die simply to observe our faith. Hanukkah represents a triumphant moment.