Happy Hanukkah 24 Kislev 5767

Festival of Lights

Tonight at Sundown marks the beginning of Hanukkah also known as Festival of Lights or Festival of Rededication. My Gentile friends often ask me why Hanukkah never starts on the same day of the year? Obviously they are comparing the Jewish holiday to Christmas, which always starts on the same date. Hanukkah actually does start on the same day every year, but on the Hebrew calendar, 25th day of Kislev.

Unfortunately very few people, especially Jews have limited knowledge of the actual historical events that are commemorated during the eight nights of Hanukkah. Many Jewish children have suffered the same fate as many Christian kids and take this time of the year for granted as the time they get things. They of course are victims of their parents reluctance to educate their children. Mom & Dad themselves become complacent and view the holidays as a time of gifts instead of any Spiritual meaning.

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that this time of year should only have religious significance. I will address the overall beauty of holidays next week before Christmas. However, I do hope that Jewish parents will take this opportunity during Hanukkah and teach their children about the history behind the celebration. Don't laugh, but if you have young children, Toddlers to Kindergarten age, check out A Rugrats Chanukah. Entertaining and filled with historical data.

Glen Beck Great Comment

Recently on CNN, Talk-Show Host Glen Beck, the station's token yet intelligent conservative, was discussing the recent Holocaust deniers convention in Iran. The guest mentioned that the event had many Americans from David Duke and College Professors to members of the American Nazi Party. Beck made the statement (paraphrase) that Jimmy Carter was not invited in fear that his presence would discredit the event.


Here come the appeasers

When the Hamilton/Baker commission released their report on the situation in Iraq, they recommended dialogue with Syria and Iran. I knew at that very moment the political appeasers also known as Liberals would utilize that suggestion to show their true colors and cater to the enemy. My very own Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), a Jew who represents a large Jewish population, immediately took to the airwaves and supported the idea of entering into talks with Syria and Iran. Congressman Rahm Emanuel (D-IL), who's father is from Israel, also backed the idea of sitting down with those who want to bring genocide to the Jewish people.

There was another time in history when appeasing murderers was believed to be the solution to the ills of the world. During the 1930's European nations lined up to sit down with Adolph Hitler and reach agreements that where suppose to protect their borders. We all know how that turned out. The incompetence of Neville Chamberlain never left the mindset of Europe and many world leaders. Today this form of suicidal thinking has infiltrated a multitude of American politicians.

This past week Florida Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) defied the President and went to Syria and met with President Bashar Assad in Damascus. The government that trains and funds Hezbollah and Hamas, sworn enemies of not just Israel, but the United States, is now being granted meetings with members of the Armed Services and Foreign Relations committee.

After his meeting Nelson said Assad "clearly indicated a willingness to cooperate" in controlling its border with Iraq. Nelson said he raised the issue of a nuclear-armed Iran to Assad saying, "he ought to understand that that's not only a threat to him, Syria, but to the entire world." Assad "took Note," according to Nelson. What that means or how it benefits anyone beats me. Senators Kerry (D-MA), Dodd (D-NJ) and Specter (R-Pa) are also planning trips to kiss Syria's ass in the near future. My question to Nelson and his fellow appeasers, what about demanding Syria stop supporting and promoting Terrorism as well as causing political turmoil in Lebanon? I'm sure Nelson didn't want to offend his host.

The fact of the matter is that the United States does have diplomatic relations with Syria and as White House Press Secretary Tony Snow stated "I think it's a real stretch to think the Syrians don't know where we stand or what we think. It's not as if there's been failure to communicate. The communication has been crystal clear." Nelson did show some sense by publicly stating he would not visit Iran. Unfortunately, I figure it's only a matter of weeks before an American politician decides to visit Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and tell the American public he's not a bad guy. He is a man of peace. I can see soon to be Presidential candidate Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) being the schmuck who makes that plunge.


Sports Weekend

Last weekend Paulies Picks was 3-1 in what turned out to be a fascinating weekend for football fans. This week may be just as exciting with so many teams in playoff contention playing each other.

The most interesting match up is between two offensive powerhouses in the AFC. The sliding Colts are a 3.5 point favorite against the climbing Bengals. This game should be awesome and decided by last possession with a field goal. With that in mind, picking a winner is tough, but regardless, Indy won't cover the spread.

The Eagles are keeping their playoff hopes alive and are a 5 point underdog in New York taking om the Giants. The problem with New York is that you never know which Manning will show up or if their Head Coach will screw up. Still, I like them at home and how they match up against Philly. Take the Giants and the points, 24-17.

The offensive monster known as the Saints are a big 9.5 point favorite against a mediocre Redskins club. New Orleans will destroy Washington at home, take the Saints and the points, 31-10.

My Bears are a 13.5 point favorite against a lowly Bucs club. Take the Bears and the points, 33-10.

Happy Hanukkah!

Paulie