...sh-e-e-ell cha-nu-kah...ah-ah-men

Hanukah 2001

Spin little dreydl...

 

On Friday, December 14, 2001, the Kuper/Berman/Sanderson family celebrated the holiday of Hanukah; the festival of lights.

The celebration took place at the Berman ancestral home and was attended by most of the usual suspects. We were also thrilled to have the company of Ichele Kuper, youngest brother of my Grandfather Chaim, and my good friend Ron and his beautiful daughter Sophie. Ichele lives in Israel and we don't get to see him very often. It was a special pleasure to have him with us.

This day was also erev-Ron's Birthday (Ron's Birthday-eve) and it was our pleasure to celebrate that festival as well.

As is the case at most of our family gatherings, the food was outdone only by the excellent company and gracious guests.

 
It's not a real holiday unless you get to set something on fire! Sophie enjoyed some Orange juice...next year, we'll inroduce her to Diet Coke!
Lighting the Candles

Though we are not religious, we like to observe traditional ceremonies such as the lighting of of the Hanukah candles.
I can only imagine the images that this ceremony recalls for my Grandparents and Ichele. 

Across the Generations...

My Grandmother was very taken by young Sophie. 
I can understand why my Grandparents can't wait till their Grandchildren start the next generation. 
But that particular miracle, alas, won't happen for a while.

The ceremonial drying of the hands. Who is this guy and why is his hand on my shoulder?
Yaba Baba...

If you haven't been to our Friday night gatherings, the caption for this photo won't mean very much to you...

 

Ichele and JB

Born in 1931, Ichele is the youngest of his (and my Grandfather's) generation. I am the oldest of my own generation and will be very happy if I can age nearly as gracefully.

We finally found someone with bigger cheeks than Blair Sixty five years ago, these two were probably doing the exact same thing!
RV, Sophie, and Blair

After a few short minutes of waking up, Sophie became very friendly and personable. As usual, she was the life of the party.

Chaim and Ichele

Chaim is the oldest of six children, Ichele, the youngest, is his baby brother.

Note that Bella is wide-awake today! If we don't let go, we can stay together.
Ana, Bella, and Ichele

The family bonds in the Kuper family continue to be strong. Though we can't see each other nearly as often as we'd like our feelings for one-another remain as close as can be.

Brothers Forever

The family resemblance among all of the Kupers is unmistakable. This is also true for the love and admiration that we all have for one another.

 

It is always fun to celebrate the holidays as a family. It helps keep us close to each other and to remain in touch with the culture and traditions of our past. It is especially enjoyable when we have the chance to share this experience with others. 

Rare visits from our Israeli relatives remind us of the international nature of our family and make the holiday more festive. Ron and Sophie made an excellent addition to our gathering and ensured that it would be exciting and memorable.

Happy Hanukah everyone!