Three candles are aglow!
Keep the happy thread going!
I was looking at the ancient prayer that is recited on Chanukah. It is included in the portion of the prayer service dealing with giving thanks to G*D. It is also recited in grace after meals. It is quite beautiful, and really gets to the heart of the holiday.
For the miracles, for the rescue, for the strong acts, for the victories, and for the battles that You did for our forefathers in those days, at this time of year.
It happened in the days of Mattithias (Matitsyahu) - the son of Yochanan the High Priest, from the Hasmonean family - and his sons. The wicked Greek kingdom arose against your Jewish people and tried to make them forget Your Torah and break You laws. But with Your great mercy, You stood up for the Jews in their time of trouble. You fought their battle, You judged their case, You took revenge on behalf of them. You placed the stronger (Syrian-Greeks) in the hands of the weak, the many into the hands of the few, the impure into the hands of the pure, the wicked into the hands of the righteous, the sinners into the hands of those involved with Your Torah.
You made Yourself a great & holy Name in Your world. For Your people, Israel, You made a great victory and rescue, as clear as this very day. Then Your children entered Your Holy Temple, cleaned out Your Sanctuary, purified Your Holy Place, and kindled lights in its courtyards. Then they instituted these eight days of Chanukah for thanksgiving and praise of Your Great Name.
Now, isn't that nicer than Adam Sandler's song?