Happy Hanukah

Tonight was the first night of Hanukah. Its always a very exciting time around here. Jory has been learning every year that we light the candles and say a prayer. We add a candle every night for each night until there are 8. Gifts are supposed to be an afterthought but to any child under the age of 80 presents are very exciting.

While we were eating dinner Ryan was asking Jory about Hanukah. It was quite impressive how much he really did know. The one question that caught our attention was "How many candles do we light tonight?" Jorys answer was "The Shamos" in a plain-as-day tone. Ryan and I looked at eachother amazed that he even knew what that was and shocked at the unexpected answer.  A few giggles flew across the room and then back to finishing dinner so we can get started.

We set out to the dining room to light the first candles and exchange presents. Ryan is all ready with a lighter for the candles.  Jory picked 2 matching candles out of the assortment of Hanukah candles. Ryan lights the Shamos and gets Jory ready to repeat the Brochos after him. Ryan starts and says "Baruch" and as proud parents, we wait for Jory to say the same but instead he says "Ata". At that moment, Ryan and I hit the floor laughing. Since when does this child know how to recite the Hanukah prayer? How did he remember that? Who just said that? So, as Ryan is trying to suppress his laughter in an attempt to keep his cool and move on, he says "Ado-nai". We then hear out of a very familiar, unsure voice "Elo-heinu". After that we both lost it.

I think Jory was  a bit confused as to why we were laughing so hard. After we had finally collected ourselves Ryan finished up the prayer with Jory repeating after him. I think he just didn't know after the Elo-heinu so he went with the flow. I guess he really is learning a lot in his school. I think next year, he will be able to say the whole thing without us even starting it for him. I'm thinking that if we start now, he may be able to recite the four questions.