Chanukah gives us a chance to reflect on an eventful year

Are you ready for Chanukah?

If not, you have no excuse. The holiday comes so late this year, it actually extends into January 2006. But whether early or late, Chanukah is always one of the most joyous times on the Jewish calendar.

Yes, we know it's considered a minor holiday. Yes, we know it's not in the Torah. But let's deal with the facts on the ground: Chanukah has become important by virtue of its role as a Jewish counterbalance to the annual Christmas juggernaut.

That makes the holiday a source of Jewish pride and solidarity. Who would have guessed spinning tops, messy candles and deep-fried potato pancakes could accomplish so much?

Coming at year's end, Chanukah 2005 also provides an opportunity to reflect on the year gone by, a truly tumultuous period in national, world and Jewish history by any measure.

The bad news has been almost biblical in nature: War, famine and floods wracked the planet, starting with the South Asian tsunami last Dec. 26. This year, the American military death toll in Iraq surpassed 2,100. Hurricane Katrina proved the most devastating natural disaster in U.S. history. Avian flu entered the world's radar as potentially the most lethal pandemic ever.

But there were encouraging signs as well. The international response to Katrina, including the Jewish response, was exemplary. Average citizens and agencies like Jewish Family and Children's Services worked together to send relief to those afflicted, and take in displaced Jews right here in the Bay Area.

Then there was Gaza. Any person of good will could not help but admire the relatively peaceful manner in which Israel disengaged from the area. Anyone with a heart could not help but feel the pain of Jewish settlers uprooted from their homes. But Israel pulled it off, thus showing the world the depth of its commitment to peace.

The Gaza disengagement was a bold move, and today, in the aftermath of his sudden stroke, our thoughts and prayers are with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. We wish him a speedy recovery.

We could also throw in our two cents on some of the other big stories that impacted the Jewish community this year. But given that Chanukah is a family holiday, let's not dwell on external events.

Instead, for this year's Festival of Lights, let's sweat the small stuff: the glow of burning candles, the savory smell of frying latkes, the spinning of dreidels and the laughter of children.

The joys of the holiday are ours for the taking. May all your spins come up "gimmel."

Happy Chanukah.