Happy Channukah from the Scouts

CNN reports on a a Cub Scout pack in Houston, Texas that went out of their way to ensure deployed Jewish troops have a happy Channukah this year.

As part of a service project, Pack 1190 from Congregation Emanu El prepared care packages with Hanukkah candles, menorahs and dreidels-giving Lowit and 150 other soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait a way to mark the holiday.

Although Channukah is certainly the most visible of Jewish holidays, Rabbi Felzenberg (a chaplain in Iraq now) makes a good point that it is one of the easiest to celebrate in the field. Lighting candles for 8 nights sure beats finding kosher for Passover food for a week, or fasting for a day.

I have been thoroughly impressed with the outpouring of support in the way of cards and care packages sent for Channukah this year. The only thing that would make me happier would be to see the same energy and effort devoted to the High Holidays or Passover.

Yesher koach to Pack 1190, and to all the rest of you that brightened up the day of a deployed service member this Channukah!

*Special thanks to JIG reader Amy Radinsky for the heads up on this.