The Hanukkah Mystery

It was a stormy night. Outside the wind howled and snow fell all around. Inside, Aaron sat with his family. It was the first night of Hanukkah and the Greenstein family had just lit the candles on the Menorah.

Grandpa began to tell the story of the first Hanukkah. His favorite part was how one small jug of oil lasted eight whole nights.

“How is that possible? How did that little bit of oil last eight days?” Aaron asked.

“It was a miracle,” Grandpa said. “And a mystery.”

“A Hanukkah mystery,” Aaron thought, just like in the detective book he read.

Suddenly, the lights went out. The storm had knocked out the power. The only light left in the house came from the candles on the Menorah.

Grandpa turned on the radio. “Due to the severe storm, families are advised to stay indoors for the next seven days,” the voice on the radio said.

The Greensteins had plenty of food and water, board games, and books. They also had wood for the woodstove. But, they did not have any new candles for the Menorah.

“What will we do?” Mom said.

“Miracles have been known to happen,” Grandpa smiled. “Let’s pray for the best.”

The next night, Aaron sat in the living room reading a book with a flashlight. The snow outside was up to the windows. The fire from the woodstove kept him warm.

The family lit the Shamash and the single candle on the Menorah. Then they went to bed.