My Week That Was - Dec 8

A Hanukkah Menorah  (internet image)

Until Tuesday, one of many things I'd never done was take part in a Hanukkah dinner.

Oakwood Village hosts a traditional meal each year during the eight days of Hanukkah.  I signed up and was invited to join a couple and their guests at a table for seven.

For readers who know me, I imagine you are wondering how I navigated through the meal.  Well, I loved it!

Matzo Ball Soup was very tasty, creamy even.  There was a garden salad with Fuji Apple vinaigrette dressing; braised beef brisket; traditional Latkas (potato pancakes); Carrots glazed with something that tasted a lot like Maple syrup; and chocolate Rugelach for dessert.

Just in case all you know about Hanukkah is from Adam Sandler's Chanukah song; let me explain.

After Israel returned home from Babylon, it was ruled by Syrian Greeks who wanted to force them to worship Greek gods.  A group, led by Judah the Maccabee, defeated the powerful army, reclaimed the Temple and set about to restore it.

The story is that when they tried to light the Temple's Menorah (candelabrum) there was only enough oil for one night.  The oil lasted eight, which is the time it took to purify the oil for Temple service.

Hanukkah celebrates religious freedom.

I enjoyed the conversation at our table and appreciated learning about a tradition with which I was unfamiliar.

Thursday and Friday were super busy - as the Oakwood Foundation was one of the hosts for what's become an annual Employee Appreciation party.  Thursday was on the Prairie Ridge Campus; Friday at University Woods on the east side of Madison.

We had three shifts - early (before 8am); mid-day (10:30 - 12:30); and late (2:30 - 4:00) - allowing late shift employees to receive their holiday bonus and enjoy a treat.  It was the second year for the event which was designed to bring donors, most of whom are residents, and Oakwood workers together.

Last year's event was well-received, as staff members liked the bigger deal made of their bonus plus checks that take into account length of service.  The residents/donors enjoy getting to visit with employees. 

We had two good and exhausting days, just in time for the weekend.

Have a good week!