Happy Holidays!
From Gratefully Grafted Ministries, Int’l

The holiday season has snuck up on us and we can hardly believe that soon a new year will dawn. This past year has been a real growing experience. After changing our name to Gratefully Grafted Ministries our support has gone down drastically. Why is this? With all the changes going on in this ministry over the last 3 years – it seems supporters are waiting to test the waters once again. We need to remind you that “the vision has evolved, the name has changed, but the heart and the service are the same.” We so love and appreciate those who have stuck with us through all of the troubled water. The sea is calming and we are getting our sea legs! We have had to cut some of the workload due to the drop in finances – we’re hoping to be able to pick everything back up again soon. If you are not already, would you consider being a part of our financial support? In order to serve the Jewish congregations and leaders – we need monies that are designated to the “Israel Fund.” Then we need you to trust us to plant the seed where we see that the need is the greatest. Without designations here at home also, there will be no way to send funds through to those in need. God is faithful, this we know. Remember to think of us in your year-end giving.

Now we would like to wish all of you a wonderful holiday season. We pray you will be blessed now and throughout the New Year. We love you all and thank you so much for your prayers and support.

Hanukkah
by David Brown

The word "Hanukkah" (also spelled "Chanukah") actually means dedication, and refers to the rededication of the temple on 25 Kislev 165 BC, after it had been desecrated by the Syrian King Antiochus Epiphanes. Antiochus attempted to force his own Greek culture and pagan religion on the people of Judea, going as far as to erect an altar of Zeus in the Holy Temple, and even sacrificing a pig on the altar. Of course, the Jewish people were outraged, and staged a successful rebellion led by Judah Maccabee. (You can read about this in the book of Maccabees. Although Jews and Protestant Christians do not consider this book a part of the Bible, it is a useful historical source). As soon as the war was over, the Maccabees returned to Jerusalem and cleansed the Temple. Afterward, they held a service of dedication -- the first Hanukkah!

According to the Talmud, when the temple was being restored, there was only enough oil found to last for one day, and yet, by some miraculous provision of God, the oil lasted for eight days -- long enough for a new batch to be prepared.

Hanukkah From sundown on Friday Dec 7, till sundown on Saturday, Dec. 15
Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday	12/7 12/8 12/9 12/10 12/11 12/12 12/13 12/14 12/15	Light 1st Candle Light 2st Candle Light 3st Candle Light 4st Candle Light 5st Candle Light 6st Candle Light 7st Candle Light 8st Candle Light 9st Candle